Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has launched a new initiative in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Under this initiative, every Friday will be observed as Public Transport Day, prohibiting the use of private vehicles. Yes, you read that right! The initiative is aimed at encouraging sustainable travel and reducing congestion, and is a first-of-its-kind effort focused on a major corporate district specifically. The implementation of the same will begin on June 12, 2026.
MMRDA: Car-Free Fridays in BKC
This initiative in BKC by MMRDA is set to encourage about 2,00,000 professionals to travel by bus, train, and metro instead of private vehicles. Around 90 organisations and companies based in BKC have offered in-principle backing.
As per a report by Hindustan Times (HT), this initiative is being implemented by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This is in partnership with the Traffic Police, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), auto-rickshaw unions, and World Resources Institute India (WRI). The MMRDa has also asked for participation from its 2,000 employees and contractual staff.
The reason behind selecting Fridays was that work schedules are mostly more flexible towards the end of the week. Authorities said that this makes the employees more willing to try alternative travel options. They avoided selection Mondays because on this day, already the commuters face the pressure to reach the office on time.
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Accessing Challenges And Introducing New Challenges
The initiative will be closely monitored for at least three to four months. During this period, every week, authorities will assess challenges and also introduce changes wherever required.
Several consultations and surveys were conducted over recent weeks with stakeholders. The findings showed that about 82 percent of commuters would happily consider using public transport if the services became more convenient, reliable, and better connected. The feedback also listed the biggest issues faced by the commuters, which include:
- Lack of shade for walkers
- Last-mile connectivity from Aqua Line metro stations (lack of shared autos or feeder buses)
- Pedestrian facilities within BKC
- More frequent BEST bus services.
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So, poor last-mile connectivity remains a major issue, according to MMRDA. The studies presented during discussions show that about 52% of commuters depend on private vehicles or taxis and auto-rickshaws. Only 25% of people use public transport for their daily commute.
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Summing Up
Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is introducing Car-Free Fridays from June 12. This initiative is introduced to encourage people to use public transport and ditch private vehicles.
