Located in the Fort area of South Mumbai, Kala Ghoda is Mumbai’s premier crescent-shaped arts and cultural district. It is celebrated as the epicenter of the city’s creative scene, with artists and collectors. Now, this well-known and loved area of Mumbai is soon going to get a new identity. It will soon be known as India’s first pedestrian-only zone. Dedicated to the people of Mumbai, the first phase of this zone has been completed. Read on to know more.
What Is A Pedestrian-Only Zone?
Kala Ghoda is home to Victorian architecture, street art, world-class museums, and the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Soon, it will be known as the spot with India’s first pedestrian-only zone, but what exactly does this mean?
A pedestrian-only zone, also known as pedestrianization or a car-free zone, is an area in a town or city where all or most of the motor traffic is prohibited. This allows people to walk freely and safely in these zones and transforms the street into vibrant, public-centered spaces.
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Dedicated To The People Of Mumbai
As per the reports by Mumbai Live, the first phase of this upcoming zone is completed, and the second phase is also in its final stage. Mumbai BJP President MLA Amit Satam said that this first non-vehicular zone will be dedicated to the people of Mumbai by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The beautification work of the Kala Ghoda area in Mumbai was inspected by Mumbai BJP President MLA Amit Satam on Thursday. He was accompanied by the BJP’s Colaba corporator Makarand Narvekar.
Under this development, there will be six roads completely reserved for people with hydraulic bollards. These bollards will be installed to control vehicular access on Saturdays and Sundays. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to develop the roads in Kala Ghoda as walkways for pedestrians, similar to Canaby Street in London and Buchanan Street in Glasgow.
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Tourist Attraction, Cafes & More
The roads included under this project are Ropewalk Lane, Rutherfield Street, V.B. Gandhi Marg (Forbes Street), Saibaba Road, and B.Bharucha Road. All these roads have been renovated and will be known as pedestrian zones on Saturdays and Sundays.
This area will host various activities that are related to crafts, arts, and music. They are also looking at developing a tourist attraction. It will feature four beautiful sculptures which are created by the artists from the Sir J.J. School of Art.
Al-fresco dining facilities will also be developed here to make sure that tourists can enjoy their meals in an open space. The work on stone-paved pedestrian paths has now been completed.
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Summing Up
Kala Ghoda is set to be the home to India’s first pedestrian-only zone, and we are so excited! Let us know your thoughts on this new development.
