IN PHOTOS: mid-day reveals how civic works ignore accessibility laws

Updated On: 25 April, 2025 05:11 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

As Mumbai undergoes one of its largest infrastructure overhauls in recent history, persons with disabilities (PwDs) are struggling to cope with dug-up roads and broken footpaths. Despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, mandating accessible infrastructure, Mumbai’s streets and public spaces remain largely non-compliant. The needs of over four lakh disabled citizens are being sidelined amid chaotic civic works. (Pics/Shadab Khan, Satej Shinde, Atul Kamble, Bharat Soni)

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<p>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</p>

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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

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In Shimpoli, Borivli West, ongoing work has turned Kastur Marg into a one-way road, creating chaos and long detours. Pic/ Satej Shinde

<p>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</p>

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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

<p>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.</p>

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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.

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Robert Sequeira, 93, has been homebound for over two months due to inaccessible roads in Bandra West. Pic/ Sjadab Khan

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Senior citizens point out to the dug-up stretch outside John Baptist Road in Bandra West. Pic/Shadab Khan

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Roadwork in progress at Sukhatwala Lane, Fort, Mumbai, on April 5. Pic/ Atul Kamble

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A senior citizen walks along 1st Pasta Lane, which is under construction, in Colaba

<p>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</p>

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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

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Raju Waghmare, 46, a visually impaired activist from Airoli who commutes daily to JJ Hospital

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Footpaths and roads in Yogi Hills, Mulund, have been dug up, putting schoolchildren and seniors at risk. Pic/ Bharat Soni

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IN PHOTOS: mid-day reveals how civic works ignore accessibility laws

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Bliss by the beach