Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 16: The Mumbai civic body has planned to redesign footpaths and road peripheries along 30 roads in the city's eastern suburbs to improve pedestrian movement and make the stretches more accessible for walkers.

The shortlisted roads are located across three administrative wards covering Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, Nahur and Mulund. The stretches include areas around marketplaces, railway stations, schools and bus stops.

The initiative is part of the civic body's ongoing drive to reclaim footpaths by removing illegal encroachments. Officials said encroachments along the identified roads have already been cleared as part of the first phase of the project.

The second phase will focus on redesigning the existing footpaths. The design has been finalised, with work expected to begin in October as the monsoon season recedes.

According to civic officials, the project will initially cover the 30 identified roads before being expanded to other administrative divisions across Mumbai.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner Yogita Kolhe said many footpaths in Mumbai's suburbs consist of continuous stretches of culverts created by covering drains underneath them. This has resulted in narrow walking spaces for pedestrians.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has engaged urban planners to develop an integrated pedestrian design aimed at improving walkability and providing better space for pedestrians.