May 16, 2025

Mumbai's BMC officials have been instructed to consult with IIT-B whenever a manhole cover falls within the alignment of tactile paving meant to assist the blind on footpaths. This step is being taken to ensure that the footpaths are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner, emphasized the importance of maintaining even and unobstructed footpaths, especially in areas where tactile paving is installed. Tactile paving consists of 300m-wide strips in the middle of footpaths to guide visually impaired individuals. Bangar highlighted the need for continuous tactile paving to ensure accessibility for the visually impaired. He stressed that discontinuities near drain chamber covers undermine the purpose of tactile paving and instructed officials to work with IIT-B to address this issue citywide. Rishi Aggarwal, founder of Walking Project, pointed out that current footpaths are not accessible to able-bodied individuals and emphasized the importance of redesigning pedestrian infrastructure in the city. Aggarwal criticized BMC's installation of grilles on footpaths, which hinder pedestrian access. He suggested wider footpaths on arterial roads and emphasized the need for accessibility for women, children, and the elderly. BMC officials explained that grilles are being installed to deter illegal parking on pavements and encroachment by vendors. Additionally, officials were directed to ensure clear stormwater drains before opening concretized roads to traffic.

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Tags: Bmc, Iit-b, Tactile paving, Accessibility, Footpaths,