The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched civil works for the beautification of Kala Ghoda, a heritage precinct and prominent art hub in Mumbai. The project includes paving internal lanes with cobblestones and improving illumination, aiming to restore the area’s old-city charm and make it pedestrian-friendly. The beautification project will cover five internal lanes: V B Gandhi Marg (Forbes Street), Rope Walk Lane, Saibaba Road, Rutherfield Street, and B Bharucha Road. Following the completion of these upgrades, the BMC plans to permanently pedestrianise the streets. To familiarise the public with the concept, the BMC conducted a trial run in September, barring vehicular movement in these lanes during weekends. After delays due to monsoons and elections, the civic body recently secured approval from the traffic department, allowing phase-wise construction to begin. Excavation has commenced on Rutherfield Street and a section of V B Gandhi Marg, marking the start of the first phase. Assistant Commissioner of A Ward confirmed that work will progress lane by lane to ensure smooth traffic flow. Vehicular movement has been stopped in areas under excavation. Pritesh Bafna from Urban Design & Architecture Initiative (UDAI), the project’s urban designer, stated that cobblestone paving will involve multiple steps, including excavation and pre-concrete casting. Landscaping and the installation of electrical poles for improved illumination are also part of the project. The BMC has set an April 2025 deadline for completion. While plans for a dedicated parking space for local vehicles were proposed as part of the second phase, they remain stalled pending approvals. (The Indian Express)