In an affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court, the BMC stated that the master pedestrian network plan would be developed using the city's advanced 3D city model integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, satellite imagery, LiDAR surveys, drone mapping, development plan data and other geospatial datasets. The civic body said the project is intended to eliminate the long-standing problem of footpaths that begin and end abruptly, replacing the fragmented approach with a comprehensive city-wide planning framework.
The affidavit was filed in response to an application submitted in the long-pending Public Interest Litigation concerning pedestrian safety and the implementation of the universal footpath policy. According to the BMC, ward-wise data collection has already commenced to document existing footpaths, missing links, discontinuities, connectivity gaps and inaccessible stretches as part of a comprehensive geospatial inventory of pedestrian infrastructure.
The civic body informed the Court that a city-wide geospatial mapping exercise is currently underway to identify existing footpaths, roads lacking footpaths, missing pedestrian links, discontinuous stretches and accessibility gaps across Mumbai. The mapping exercise will be integrated with the city's 3D digital model, enabling authorities to visualize roads, footpaths, transport corridors, public utilities and other urban infrastructure through a unified digital platform.
According to the affidavit, the integrated platform will also assist authorities in identifying missing footpath links, encroachments and accessibility gaps while facilitating the preparation of the city-wide master pedestrian network plan. The proposed framework will identify missing pedestrian links, prioritize connectivity corridors, improve accessibility and integrate pedestrian infrastructure with public transport through coordinated efforts involving multiple municipal departments.
The BMC further informed the Supreme Court that it is establishing an institutional mechanism under its Chief Engineer (Roads and Traffic) Department to coordinate data collection, Geographic Information System mapping, planning, implementation and monitoring of pedestrian infrastructure projects to ensure systematic execution of the initiative.
Addressing the issue of street vendors, the civic body stated that the regulation and rehabilitation of hawkers would continue under the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, the Maharashtra Rules of 2016 and the Street Vendors Scheme, 2017 through the Town Vending Committee. The affidavit stated that appropriate measures would be taken to maintain a balance between pedestrian movement, accessibility and the livelihood rights of street vendors.
The matter stems from an application filed by advocate Sunil Ahya, following which a Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan issued notice in November 2025. The application sought directions for authorities to undertake geospatial mapping of pedestrian networks, prepare city-wide master pedestrian plans, integrate street vending into footpath planning and establish phased implementation and accountability mechanisms.
The application also specifically requested directions to the BMC to prepare and publish a geospatial digital inventory of all existing and missing footpaths across Mumbai in accordance with the universal footpath policy issued in May 2023 and to submit periodic compliance reports before the Court.
When the matter was heard in January this year, the Supreme Court directed the BMC to consider conducting audits of designated stretches of footpaths across the city. The Bench suggested that at least one kilometre of footpaths in every ward, particularly in densely populated areas, should be audited. The Court also permitted the applicant to identify stretches requiring urgent remedial action.
The proposed master pedestrian network plan marks a significant step towards modernizing Mumbai's urban infrastructure through scientific planning, digital mapping and coordinated implementation. If executed as outlined before the Supreme Court, the initiative is expected to establish a comprehensive and accessible pedestrian network while strengthening accountability in the planning and maintenance of public walkways across India's financial capital.
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