Can We Dare to Dream of a More Liveable Mumbai in 2025?

Challenges, Aspirations, and the Path Forward

As we close another year, it’s time to reflect on the challenges Mumbai faced in 2024 and create a wishlist for a city that meets the needs of its 18-19 million residents. The dream of a liveable Mumbai — one with cleaner streets, better public transport, and accessible housing — must move beyond aspiration and turn into an actionable reality.

A Wishlist for Mumbai’s Future

Here’s what Mumbaikars want:

1. Safe and Walkable Streets: Pavements free from encroachments and potholes, where pedestrians can walk without risking their lives.
2. Affordable Housing: A city where the housing crisis is addressed with policies that benefit everyone, not just the wealthy.
3. Efficient Public Transport: An integrated system that goes beyond the metro to include well-maintained buses and trains.
4. Green and Open Spaces: Protected trees, accessible gardens, and rejuvenated water bodies to improve air quality and offer respite to residents.
5. Enhanced Public Services: Public schools and colleges on par with private institutions, alongside better cultural infrastructure in clean, welcoming public spaces.
6. Traffic Discipline: Strict enforcement of traffic laws and well-designed road infrastructure to ensure safety.
7. Transparent Governance: Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) must prioritize transparency and accountability, with projects undergoing environmental and gender audits.
8. Inclusive Redevelopment: Dharavi’s redevelopment should benefit its residents and integrate with the city’s vision for sustainable growth.

This list reflects basic needs that any global metropolis should provide but also underscores the systemic shortcomings that have plagued Mumbai for decades.

Systemic Challenges Holding Mumbai Back

Mumbai has resources. The BMC is one of the wealthiest municipal bodies in the world, with the capacity to undertake transformative projects. Mumbaikars themselves are innovative and resilient, as seen in the city’s ability to deliver world-class infrastructure like the underground metro and the Coastal Road.

Yet, systemic failures persist:

• Public Transport Crisis: Despite being the backbone of the city, the BEST bus service is financially strained, with ₹9300 crore in cumulative debt and frequent accidents that put commuters at risk.
• Housing Inequity: Over 800 skyscrapers have been approved since 2008, but affordable housing remains out of reach. Recent MHADA schemes saw 1.3 lakh applicants vying for just 2030 houses.
• Environmental Neglect: Tree felling for infrastructure projects has worsened air quality, leaving residents vulnerable to climate extremes.
• Administrative Failures: Incidents like the Kurla BEST bus tragedy and collapsing infrastructure highlight negligence and corruption.

Can We Dare to Hope?

Hope is not only necessary but also actionable. For Mumbai to transform into a liveable city, its leaders and residents must work collectively toward these goals:

• Accountable Governance: Policymakers must prioritize transparency and focus on sustainable urban planning.
• Civic Engagement: Public participation in governance, from neighborhood-level consultations to citywide audits, is essential for meaningful progress.
• Smart Resource Allocation: With substantial financial reserves, the BMC must allocate funds efficiently to address critical issues like housing, transport, and environmental conservation.

A Shared Responsibility

The challenges Mumbai faces are immense, but they are not insurmountable. A liveable Mumbai is not just a wishlist but a shared responsibility. The year 2025 offers a chance to turn hope into action and reimagine the city as one that respects the life and dignity of every resident.

Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)

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