Raju Waghmare, 46, a visually challenged social activist working with JJ Hospital, struggles to navigate a dug-up stretch near Siddharth College in Fort. Pic/Shadab Khan
Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, citizens have the right to safe mobility. Yet, the work of road concretisation across the city, especially in South Mumbai, has only made life harder for persons with disabilities. Pic/Satej Shinde
In Shimpoli, Borivli West, ongoing work has turned Kastur Marg into a one-way road, creating chaos and long detours. Pic/ Satej Shinde
Disability rights activist and model Virali Modi, with civil platform Jhatkaa.org, has launched the #MumbaiRampsUp initiative, demanding better accessibility for PwDs. Backed by 4,300+ citizens, the campaign urges BMC and the state authorities to make accessibility non-negotiable
Icelina (left), 75, a Bandra West resident, said, “The roads have been dug up since October 2024. Though we allowed BMC to carry out work even at night for quicker completion, the progress is painfully slow. Damaged pipelines and electricity lines have added to our troubles. Many senior citizens haven’t stepped out in months.” Anita Fernandes (right), another Bandra West resident, that most buildings in the area house senior citizens over 75 and many haven't been able to visit the hospital, church, or market.
Robert Sequeira, 93, has been homebound for over two months due to inaccessible roads in Bandra West. Pic/ Sjadab Khan
Senior citizens point out to the dug-up stretch outside John Baptist Road in Bandra West. Pic/Shadab Khan
Over 3000 residents of Yogi Hills, Mulund, rely on a single access road now narrowed due to civic work; (inset) Bharat Soni, Secretary of the Hillside Residents Welfare Association, Mulund
Raju Waghmare, 46, a visually impaired activist from Airoli who commutes daily to JJ Hospital
Footpaths and roads in Yogi Hills, Mulund, have been dug up, putting schoolchildren and seniors at risk. Pic/ Bharat Soni
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