Mumbai, the bustling metropolis of Maharashtra, is facing a challenge when it comes to being a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city. Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, highlighted this issue during an event organized by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI). She emphasized the importance of transforming the city into a more inclusive and sustainable environment.
Saunik pointed out that while recent infrastructure projects in Mumbai have mainly focused on accommodating cars, with the construction of toll-free roads for four-wheelers, this approach is not in line with global trends that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist-friendly spaces. Civil society groups have raised concerns about the lack of consideration for walkers and cyclists in the city.
With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in Mumbai, Saunik stressed the need for urban spaces that can help mitigate heat and provide relief to residents. She emphasized the significance of creating a less energy-dense city to contribute to overall cooling efforts. The French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, also highlighted the ecological challenges faced by Mumbai as a coastal city, including the potential impact of rising sea levels on the city’s landmass.
Saunik expressed Maharashtra’s interest in collaborating with France to enhance the metro network and improve intra-city transport systems. She mentioned the importance of making the metro network more cohesive to provide efficient and sustainable transportation options for residents. Additionally, French Minister for Olympics and Paralympics, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, discussed India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Games and emphasized the need for a unique proposal to secure this opportunity.
Nadir Godrej, Chairman of Godrej Industries, also joined the conversation by advocating for the preservation of Mumbai’s diversity while addressing the urban challenges faced by the city. As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable and inclusive urban planning to create a more walkable and bikeable environment for its residents. Collaborations with international partners like France can potentially help Mumbai improve its infrastructure and transportation systems to meet the needs of its growing population.
