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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed housing societies across Mumbai to remove unauthorised ramps and other encroachments built over public footpaths within one month. The initiative forms part of the civic body's 'Pedestrian First' campaign, which aims to restore footpaths for safe and uninterrupted pedestrian movement. Officials have warned that failure to comply within the stipulated deadline will invite enforcement action, with the BMC undertaking demolition of illegal structures and recovering the associated costs from the concerned societies.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a citywide drive to reclaim public footpaths by directing housing societies to remove illegal ramps constructed across pavements within one month. The move is part of the civic body's broader 'Pedestrian First' initiative, which seeks to improve walkability and ensure unobstructed access for pedestrians across Mumbai.
According to the BMC, numerous residential societies have built concrete ramps over public footpaths to facilitate vehicle entry into their premises. While intended to improve vehicular access, these structures often alter the original footpath level, obstruct pedestrian movement and create difficulties for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
Municipal officials have stated that footpaths are public infrastructure designed exclusively for pedestrians and cannot be modified without the civic body's approval. The unauthorised ramps, along with other encroachments extending onto pavements, are considered violations that compromise both accessibility and public safety.
As part of the campaign, ward offices have been instructed to identify societies where such ramps have been constructed and issue notices directing their removal within the prescribed period. Housing societies have been given one month to voluntarily dismantle the structures and restore the footpaths to their original condition.
The BMC has made it clear that societies failing to comply with the notices will face enforcement action after the deadline expires. Civic teams will remove the illegal ramps and recover demolition expenses from the respective property owners or housing societies, in accordance with municipal regulations.
The initiative reflects the municipal corporation's growing emphasis on pedestrian-friendly urban infrastructure. In recent years, Mumbai has undertaken several projects to improve footpaths, introduce universal accessibility features and encourage safer walking environments as part of broader urban mobility planning.
Urban planning experts have long argued that encroachments on footpaths reduce their usability and force pedestrians onto carriageways, increasing safety risks. By targeting illegal alterations made by private developments, the BMC aims to preserve public spaces intended for non-motorised transport while reinforcing compliance with civic regulations.
The latest directive is expected to be implemented across all municipal wards, with officials monitoring compliance before initiating further action against defaulting societies.
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