BMC launches drive to clear 320 km of footpaths

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a citywide campaign called Pedestrian First to clear encumbrances from 320 km of footpaths.

BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed ward officers to prioritize the drive, noting that nearly 50% of daily trips in Mumbai are on foot.

The drive will remove unauthorized hawkers, construction debris, abandoned vehicles, garbage, and other obstacles, focusing on areas near schools, hospitals, railway stations, metro stations, bus depots, and markets.

Officers must conduct daily inspections, submit progress reports with before-and-after photos, and prevent encroachments from returning; Deputy and Additional Municipal Commissioners will review periodically.

The campaign also includes removing unauthorized hoardings, trimming obstructing tree branches, and constructing new footpaths with M-40 grade concrete, prohibiting paver blocks or stamped concrete.