Mumbai News: BMC’s ₹5 Crore Pedestrian Plaza Near Mantralaya To Be Ready By December; Aims To Boost Walkability And Tourism

Mumbai: To clear footpath encroachments and promote walkability, the BMC is developing pedestrian-friendly zones across Mumbai, including an ambitious walking plaza in South Mumbai.

About 40% of the work is complete, focusing on a 210-metre stretch between Deepak Jog Chowk (Mantralaya) and Bhai Bhandarkar Chowk (Budhwar Park), including footpaths and traffic junctions. The project is expected to be ready by December this year.

The project include aesthetically designed stamped concrete footpaths, vibrant 3D street art, and a multi-utility corridor for landscaping and public use. The boundary wall of Budhwar Park will undergo a facelift, while elegant Ashoka trees and ornamental plants will be planted along the stretch to elevate its visual appeal.

Directional signboards will ensure better navigation for pedestrians. Estimated at Rs 5 crore, the initiative is being funded by the Tourism Department and the District Planning and Development Committee. M/s Surya Engineering and Construction has been appointed to execute the project.

"The road selected for the walking plaza is among South Mumbai’s busiest, used heavily by both vehicles and pedestrians. Creating a dedicated pedestrian zone will allow tourists to walk comfortably without traffic disruption,” said a civic official.

Efforts are also being made to address parking concerns in the area. To keep the plaza free from hawkers and encroachments, the BMC will carry out regular monitoring. Informational signboards will be installed to help visitors navigate nearby roads and tourist spots. Additionally, the adjacent railway colony wall may be beautified with murals, pending approval from railway authorities, the official added.

Currently, excavation and other works are on hold due to monsoon. The BMC has assured that project will be completed by December 2025. Initially, there was a proposal to add seating along the walkway, but it has been dropped due to concerns over misuse by homeless people. Once this phase is completed, the BMC plans to extend similar pedestrian-friendly walkways to other parts of Colaba.