18 August,2024 06:47 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
B Bharucha Road will be converted into a pedestrian street. Pic/Ashish Raje
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The much-anticipated vehicle-free initiative in the Kala Ghoda area has finally been launched. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to invest around Rs 7 crore to give a heritage makeover to five lanes in this historic district. In the initial phase, residents and visitors can enjoy unrestricted heritage walks on these vehicle-free roads during weekends.
According to the civic body, the work to make it a vehicle-free zone on weekends will begin in September.
In February 2024, the BMC unveiled a plan to transform five lanes around the Kala Ghoda area into a pedestrian zone. Recently, the BMC finalised a proposal, estimated at around R7 crore, to pedestrianise Saibaba Road, Rope Walk Lane, Frober Street, Rutherfield Street, and B Bharucha Road.
"These roads will be converted using cobblestone paving, with the addition of heritage street furniture, manhole and drain covers, and hydraulic bollards," a BMC official stated.
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"We aim to make these streets more pleasant for walking, which will include wall paintings, landscaping, and illumination work. In the first phase, the roads will be vehicle-free on weekends. We're also considering developing the area as an art avenue year-round," the official added.
Kala Ghoda is a renowned cultural hub in south Mumbai, known for its vibrant art scene.
Former corporator Advocate Makrand Narvekar said, "The vehicle-free zone will be implemented on a trial basis during weekends to gauge public response and help visitors become familiar with the concept. Kala Ghoda is an art neighbourhood that features a museum, an art gallery, and an institute of contemporary art."