BMC Budget: ‘Pedestrian first’ policy to declutter urban spaces

Municipal Commissioner and state-appointed administrator, Iqbal Singh Chahal, during his budget speech, said this year, the BMC will carry out a survey of all the roads that have a minimum width of nine metres, following which footpaths will be constructed.

Ahead of tabling the budget this year, Chahal had invited suggestions from citizens for creating the overall outlay of the budget. (Representational/File)

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its annual civic budget for financial year 2023-24, has announced a ‘Pedestrian First’ policy. In a bid to declutter urban spaces and provide a better walking experience to Mumbai residents, the BMC has stated that any road in the city that has a minimum width of nine metres will have pedestrian-friendly footpaths.

Municipal Commissioner and state-appointed administrator, Iqbal Singh Chahal, during his budget speech, said this year, the BMC will carry out a survey of all the roads that have a minimum width of nine metres, following which footpaths will be constructed. Chahal said that the newly-constructed footpaths will be made using cement and concrete and these will have a smooth and even surface to match the international standards. For this proposal, the BMC has earmarked a fund of Rs 200 crore.

“This is the first time the BMC has come up with such a policy where footpaths will be a compulsory part of the roads. The idea is to provide Mumbaikars with better civic amenities,” he said.

Ahead of tabling the budget this year, Chahal had invited suggestions from citizens for creating the overall outlay of the budget. Chahal said that total 965 responses were received by his office, out of which a significant number of people demanded footpaths with even surfaces in Mumbai.

Currently, there is no concrete policy available to prevent hawkers and vendors from encroaching on footpaths. Chahal said the BMC is working towards setting up a Vendor Committee, and after the committee is formed, a concrete policy for hawkers will also be drafted by end of this year. “After the hawker’s policy comes into action, we will allot hawking pitches and designated zones to hawkers to prevent them from encroaching,” he said.

Pratip Acharya

Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More

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