The Kala Ghoda precinct in south Mumbai is set to become a pedestrian-only zone. It will begin with a trial run on weekends in the first week of September. The trial will run from 7 pm to 12 am. The selected streets include Forbes Street, Saibaba Road, Rutherfield Street, and B. Bharucha Road owing to the frequent food, culture, fashion, and art events. Phase 1 of the project has been planned by architect Pritesh Bafna.
Bafna, from the Urban Design Architecture Initiative (UDAI), has also devised a parking plan for the four streets. The plan includes temporarily relocating 40 bikes and 13 cars from Bharucha Road to Kala Ghoda Plaza. An additional 11 bike spaces will be reserved on a nearby road. Similar plans will be implemented for the other streets until a permanent parking solution is established.
The project is estimated to cost INR 5.26 crore. The Kala Ghoda Association, known for organising the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, has expressed support for the project.
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Former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar announced that Kala Ghoda will become the city’s first vehicle-free area. The precinct is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Institute of Contemporary Art, Jehangir Art Gallery, National Gallery of Modern Art, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and Eliyahoo Synagogue.
As per reports, the car-free zone plan will be tested during the weekend trial to gauge public response. New pavements, benches, tables, and improved lighting will be added to the streets, offering places for people to relax and enjoy food from nearby restaurants. Parking for visitors will be available in neighbouring areas. RFID-based vehicle access will be provided for senior citizens and people with special needs. The authorities have also welcomed feedback.
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