In a significant move to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allocated Rs.100 crore in its 2025-26 budget for the ‘Universal Footpath Policy’. This initiative aims to improve walkability and ensure safer, more accessible footpaths across Mumbai.
BMC’s Commitment to Pedestrian Safety
The ‘Universal Footpath Policy’, introduced in 2023, outlines standards for footpath design, emphasizing connectivity, appropriate width, and accessibility features. The policy mandates that footpaths be continuous on both sides of the road, with a maximum kerb height of six inches. It also specifies a minimum width of 1.2 meters to accommodate wheelchairs and 1.5 meters for bidirectional pedestrian flow, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
Budget Allocation and Implementation Strategy
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani presented a Rs.74,427 crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 14.19% increase from the previous year. Within this budget, Rs.100 crore is earmarked specifically for the ‘Universal Footpath Policy’. This allocation underscores the BMC’s dedication to creating a pedestrian-friendly environment in Mumbai.
Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner, highlighted the importance of prioritizing pedestrians in urban planning. He noted that inadequate footpaths force pedestrians onto roadways, leading to safety hazards and traffic congestion. The BMC plans to make incremental improvements across various areas, aiming for city-wide enhancements over time.
Design Standards and Accessibility Features
The policy aligns with the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, ensuring that footpaths are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. For instance, where a footpath ends, it will transition with a slope rather than an abrupt drop, facilitating easier movement for wheelchair users. The maximum height of footpaths will be maintained at six inches to prevent accessibility barriers.
Challenges and Advocacy for Effective Implementation
Despite the policy’s comprehensive guidelines, urban planners and activists emphasize the need for effective implementation. Vedant Mhatre, Project Manager at the Walkability Project, pointed out that previous initiatives have faced challenges due to administrative hurdles and lack of enforcement. He advocates for administrative restructuring, investment in adequate manpower, and addressing related issues such as build quality assurance, hawker management, and parking management to ensure the policy’s success.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The ‘Universal Footpath Policy’ builds upon the ‘Pedestrian First’ policy launched in 2016, reflecting the BMC’s ongoing commitment to improving pedestrian infrastructure. The 2023 policy update introduced more detailed specifications to address the evolving needs of Mumbai’s pedestrians. With the substantial budget allocation in 2025-26, there is renewed optimism that these initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in the city’s walkability.
Conclusion
The BMC’s allocation of Rs.100 crore towards the ‘Universal Footpath Policy’ in the 2025-26 budget represents a significant step towards enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in Mumbai. By adhering to established design standards and focusing on accessibility, the initiative aims to create safer and more inclusive footpaths. However, effective implementation and addressing associated challenges will be crucial to realizing the policy’s objectives and ensuring a pedestrian-friendly Mumbai.
