Universal footpath policy to be implemented in Mumbai to increase walkability

'Walkability of Mumbai footpath is a topic of growing importance as the city is continuously improving its infrastructure. Walkability of the city involves condition of footpath, width of footpath, safety concerns, accessibility, routine maintenance,' the budget document states.

Mumbai: In a first-of-its-kind initiative looking at easy movement of people and health in the financial capital of Mumbai making it part with international standards, the civic body would implement a “Universal Footpath Policy” to facilitate  walkability.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in the Budget Estimates 2025-26, has made the announcement to implement the policy. 

BMC’s Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani tabled the Budget on Tuesday. 

“Walkability of Mumbai footpath is a topic of growing importance as the city is continuously improving its infrastructure. Walkability of the city involves condition of footpath, width of footpath, safety concerns, accessibility, routine maintenance,” the document states. 

Pedestrian friendly footpaths encourage walkability of the city which helps to improve health, reduces dependency on vehicles and helps in decongestion of traffic. “BMC is highly focusing on creating more liveable, pedestrian friendly and differently abled friendly footpaths. For that, ‘Universal Footpath Policy’ is already formulated and proposed to be implemented in Greater Mumbai,” it said. 

A total budget provision of Rs 4,111.51 crore is proposed in Revised Estimates 2024-25 and Rs 5,100 crore in Business Estimates  2025-26 for Roads and Traffic Department.

“Emphasis is also being given in order to achieve the goal of overall sustainable development of the city with initiatives such as green spaces, improved health infrastructure, traffic measures, walkability, smart transportation and parking system,” it said. 

The budget document also speaks about the Mumbai Public Park, which is going to be of international standards. 

“It is planned to develop Mumbai Public Park  on a combined plot including 120.12 acre land taken over from The Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd. and 170 acre land out of total land reclaimed under Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Project. Out of this, a consultant is appointed to prepare the design for 120.12 acre Mahalaxmi Race Course land. Also, Expression of Interest (EOI) for development on about 170 acre land is invited from eligible and reputed companies as a Volunteer Agency without any financial commitment of BMC,” it said. 

The BMC intends to develop Anandvan Green Belt along the periphery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park between Borivali to Goregaon. Natural stone pathways for citizens along with tree plantation on both sides and bio-toilets will be included in this initiative.

The BMC is also working on the project of expansion of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan & Zoo at Byculla. “BMC has acquired a 10 acre amenity plot adjacent to Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan & Zoo. Under the Zoo extension project, it is proposed to develop exhibits for various exotic species like Giraffe, Zebra, White Lion, Jaguar on this plot,” it said.

A consultant has been appointed for the proposed satellite facility of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo at Mulund. A layout plan for developing a bird exhibit on the site has been prepared and sent to the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi for approval.