Mumbai: Work on pedestrian-friendly Kala Ghoda to begin in September

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.

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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.

"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."