First ‘Walkable Cities’ Conference Successfully Concluded in Mumbai
Mumbai :The first-ever "Walkable Cities Mumbai Conclave" was successfully organised today at Y. B. Chavan Centre. The event was organized by "Walking Project," a non-profit organization active since 2012.
While addressing the conference, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Mr. Bhushan Gagrani announced that by the end of May, a dedicated 8-kilometer-long cycling track will be made available to Mumbai’s citizens.
"Mumbai still lacks the necessary infrastructure and environmental systems. The suburban areas, in particular, have very few pedestrian-friendly facilities. Due to the ongoing expansion of Metro, the Atal Setu, and other major infrastructure projects, citizens face difficulties while walking. However, we are making strong efforts to improve these conditions," he stated.
This conference brought together public policy experts, urban planners, architects, scientists, and researchers to discuss various measures for enhancing Mumbai’s pedestrian infrastructure. The discussions revolved around possible solutions through both public and private initiatives.
The Chairman and Advisor of Walking Project and CEO of Sunvin, Mr. Sandeep Bajoria, while outlining the purpose of the event, stated that we will continue to work with government agencies, the municipal corporation, and private organizations with a highly positive and constructive approach to provide better and healthier urban facilities for Mumbaikars.
The event also honored individuals who have significantly contributed to Mumbai’s urban development, including Ms Amala Ruia, Dr. Manju Lodha, Dr. Rati Godrej, Mayank Gandhi, Ramesh Poddar, Pawan Poddar, Pradeep Kheruka, Sushil Jiwrajka, Anantini Thakur, and Ajay Agarwal. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani and Rishi Darda were also honoured though they could not attend the ceremony due to unavoidable circumstances.
Key Opinions from Distinguished Guests:
🔹 Pradeep Kheruka, Chairman, Borosil Renewables:"Do not wait for the government to take action. Mumbai must develop the necessary pedestrian walkways, with or without government support. Identify such paths and work collectively to develop them!"
🔹 Sushil Jiwrajka, Industrialist:"The footpaths in Breach Candy are shrinking day by day. The condition of tiles and paver blocks is extremely poor, making it impossible to walk even 100 meters comfortably. Adding to the problem, street vendors, hawkers, and drug addicts occupy the remaining space, making walking even more difficult. Instead of just ‘Walking the Talk,’ we must start ‘Talking the Walk.’"
🔹 Rishi Agarwal, CEO & Organiser:
Climate Change issues can be contentious but a walkable city is a non contentious one. Walkability offers the potential to bring all stakeholders together without any hassles and helps to reduce climate emissions. Walkability is also an important health issue.
🔹 Mickey Mehta, Fitness Expert:"Taking inspiration from Bollywood, in the movie ‘Sholay,’ Gabbar tells Basanti – ‘As long as your legs move, your breath will flow. The moment your legs stop, life will stop.’ This message is highly relevant today – walking is not just necessary but also essential for good health."
🔹 Bhushan Gagrani, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner:"Significant improvements in Mumbai’s infrastructure are underway. However, in our system, nothing works without political will. About 40% of Mumbai is built on reclaimed land, especially in central Mumbai, leading to severe issues during the monsoon. While roads in Mumbai are not yet of international standards, we are continuously working towards improving them. Concretization of roads is necessary, although it temporarily affects walkability. However, we are taking measures to ensure a safe, comfortable, and pedestrian-friendly environment. For environmental sustainability, bamboo plantations along nullahs (drains) are being implemented, which will benefit pedestrians in the long run."
🔹 Mayank Gandhi:"I spend half the month in villages, but when I am in Mumbai, I find the footpaths on S.V. Road to be in the pathetic condition. I will gladly support anyone working towards their improvement."
A Commitment to a More Pedestrian-Friendly Mumbai
This conference served as a major platform to discuss and implement solutions for enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in Mumbai. It marked an important step towards making the city more walkable and cycling-friendly.
🌐 For more details, visit: www.walkingproject.org
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