Mumbai Launches Pedestrian First Campaign to Clear 320 km of Footpaths Across City

The campaign aims to restore unobstructed pedestrian access by clearing illegal structures and debris from footpaths used daily by thousands of commuters. During an inspection in the Andheri wards, Bhide directed officials to take immediate action and conduct daily checks to ensure footpaths remain free of encroachments.

पदपथांवरील अनधिकृत फेरीवाले व अतिक्रमणे तत्काळ हटवून पदपथ अडथळामुक्त करण्यासाठी 'पेडेस्ट्रियन फर्स्ट' (Pedestrian First) अभियान बृहन्मुंबईत प्रभावीपणे राबविण्याचे निर्देश महानगरपालिका आयुक्त श्रीमती अश्विनी भिडे यांनी नुकतेच दिले आहेत.

या अभियानाची पाहणी करण्यासाठी महानगरपालिका… pic.twitter.com/BltcC29SA2

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 6, 2026

Civic teams removed debris and other obstructions while ensuring open pathways for students, pedestrians, and ambulances along the identified stretches. The drive forms part of the municipal corporation's effort to improve walkability in areas witnessing heavy public movement.

Citizens welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward safer and more accessible footpaths, particularly as nearly half of Mumbaikars rely on them every day. However, many also urged authorities to ensure sustained enforcement, impose fines on offenders, including two-wheeler riders using footpaths illegally, and repair broken manholes to prevent hawkers and encroachments from returning, as witnessed during previous clearance drives.

The campaign marks a renewed effort by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to keep Mumbai's footpaths accessible, with residents calling for consistent enforcement to ensure the improvements are maintained over the long term.