Mumbai: Hurdles in making Kala Ghoda only for walkers

Saibaba Road is to be converted into a pedestrian street. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Mumbai is set to join the ranks of pedestrian-friendly cities with the BMC initiating a project in the south Mumbai area at Kala Ghoda to convert five small lanes into pedestrian zones. However, the issue of parked vehicles on these roads may pose a challenge.

B Bharucha Road will be converted into a pedestrian street. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Several years ago, the BMC completed footpath standardisation work at Fort under the Fort Precinct Project, ensuring uniformity in footpaths and maintaining a heritage look consistent with the surrounding buildings. Building on this initiative, the BMC now plans to transform five lanes near Kala Ghoda, known for its upscale restaurants, branded showrooms, and offices, into classy pedestrian pathways where vehicles won't be allowed. The selected lanes, including Saibaba Road, Rope Walk Lane, Frobers Street, Rutherfield Street, and B Bharucha Road, will undergo conversion with cobblestone paving.

During a visit by the mid-day team on Thursday, these lanes were packed with parked vehicles. Even BMC runs a pay-and-parking lot on Rope Walk Lane. Jaideep More, assistant commissioner of A ward, assured that parking arrangements will be made. "We will shift the parking lot to nearby areas and illegal vehicle parking will not be tolerated. There will be enough space near Kala Ghoda to park vehicles. So, we don't think this will be an issue," said More.

Fort Precinct Project

The BMC has invited e-tenders to appoint a contractor for the Kala Ghoda Precinct Development project, with an estimated cost of Rs 5.29 crore excluding GST. The scope of work includes the removal of temporary structures, shifting utilities, installation of cobblestones, construction of stormwater chambers, landscaping with horticulture, provision of lamp posts, and uplighters for trees.

More said, "The work is part of converting roads into pedestrian precincts in the Fort, Colaba area. The design is ready, and the project will be completed soon. Additionally, Kala Ghoda junction will be converted into a pedestrian-only zone, followed by Colaba Causeway and Ballard Pier." Another official mentioned that the project is expected to be completed within six months, including the monsoon season, with a three-month maintenance period thereafter.