Author: Deshwale National Desk

Mumbai has added another elevated pedestrian link to its growing urban network. The new 680 metre skywalk at Bandra East now connects commuters to the Bandra Kurla Complex and the Western Express Highway. The structure aims to ease foot traffic, reduce road congestion and improve safety in one of the city’s busiest corridors. The project has been welcomed by daily commuters who navigate heavy traffic around Bandra station and the BKC business district. Office workers, students and residents are expected to benefit from faster and safer movement above chaotic roads. Elevated walkways reduce the risk of accidents and offer structured…

Redevelopment has reshaped many parts of Mumbai in recent years. Old buildings, ageing housing societies and extensive slum clusters are being reimagined into modern structures. According to data from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, more than 1.5 lakh tenements have been constructed under slum rehabilitation schemes in Mumbai since inception, though a large number remain in progress. Real estate estimates suggest that agreements signed since 2020 could deliver over 40,000 new homes across the metropolitan region by 2030. Redevelopment in Mumbai aims to address chronic housing shortages and improve living conditions. At the same time, the process has stirred debate about…

A portion of an under construction metro pillar collapsed in Mulund West on February 14, 2026, injuring several commuters and triggering heavy traffic congestion along LBS Marg. The Mulund Metro pillar collapse occurred during peak daytime movement, when vehicles were passing beneath the elevated structure. According to civic officials and emergency responders, a segment of the partially built pillar gave way and fell onto the road, striking at least one autorickshaw and a car. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot within minutes. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. Authorities have confirmed that Ramdhan Yadav is no…

14 फरवरी की तारीख दुनिया के कई हिस्सों में प्रेम और उत्सव से जुड़ी मानी जाती है। लेकिन भारत में यह दिन एक और गहरी स्मृति के साथ दर्ज है। 14 फरवरी 2019 को जम्मू-कश्मीर के पुलवामा में हुए आतंकी हमले ने पूरे देश को झकझोर दिया था। केंद्रीय रिज़र्व पुलिस बल के 40 जवान उस दिन शहीद हुए। यह केवल एक सुरक्षा घटना नहीं थी, बल्कि करोड़ों भारतीयों के दिल पर लगा ऐसा घाव था, जिसने राष्ट्रीय चेतना को नई दिशा दी। इसलिए 14 फरवरी अब सिर्फ कैलेंडर की एक तारीख नहीं, बल्कि शहादत और संकल्प की अमर विरासत…

Stray dogs, stray cats and stray bovines roam many Indian streets. Some of these stray animals in India are abandoned by owners who no longer care for them. These animals leave excreta on streets and footpaths, inconveniencing pedestrians and reducing the aesthetic appeal of many cities. Stray animals also contribute to traffic hazards, as they wander on roads with parked vehicles, stalls and waste. Many Indians have encountered stray dogs or cattle suddenly crossing roads. In such cases, drivers often brake unexpectedly or swerve. This causes accidents that injure both people and animals. According to the Ministry of Road Transport…

Mumbai is a city that never truly escapes the heat. For almost ten months of the year, the weather is hot and humid, making daily commutes on local trains exhausting. Even during the monsoon, when rains bring some respite, the humidity remains stifling. For millions of Mumbaikars, travelling on non-AC local trains has long been a test of endurance. The sweltering conditions make journeys uncomfortable, stressful, and at times, unsafe. In recent years, the introduction of AC local trains in Mumbai has shown that commuters can travel in far more comfort. AC trains provide a controlled environment, protecting passengers from…

Boulevards have long been a symbol of urban elegance and functional planning in cities around the world. In India, their potential to transform roads into attractive, sustainable, and people-friendly spaces is only beginning to be realised. Boulevards do more than separate lanes or guide traffic; they enhance aesthetics, provide shade, reduce pollution, and create a sense of civic pride. Indian roads, whether in small towns or large cities, could benefit immensely if boulevards were incorporated as a standard feature rather than being limited to highways or expressways. Traditionally, boulevards consist of wide streets lined with trees, ornamental plants, and flowers,…

Across India, the space beneath bridges and flyovers has long been treated as an afterthought. These shadowed stretches often become dumping grounds, illegal parking zones or areas vulnerable to anti-social activity. In recent years, however, several cities have begun reimagining these neglected pockets as sports complexes and playgrounds. The results suggest that such interventions can improve urban aesthetics, strengthen community life and enhance public safety when thoughtfully planned and maintained. India’s urban open space deficit makes this conversation urgent. The Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines recommend 10 to 12 square metres of open space per…

Urban life in many Indian cities is a constant juggling act. Residences, hotels, factories, offices, restaurants, shops, beggars, and hawkers often coexist in close proximity, creating environments that are noisy, congested, and stressful. For residents, commuters, and visitors alike, this blend of activity can feel chaotic, reducing the quality of life. It is worth asking whether a city can be planned differently—more methodically—to reduce stress, improve civic order, and make urban living more efficient and humane. One possible approach is to design cities with clearly delineated zones, each serving a specific purpose. Residential areas would be exclusively for housing, offering…

In many Indian cities, bus stops remain dreary, functional structures with little attention to design or aesthetics. Most are simple shelters meant to provide shade or protection from rain, but their drab appearance and lack of thoughtful planning often fail to enhance the commuting experience. While citizens depend on these structures daily, they rarely inspire or uplift. Given the crucial role public transport plays in urban life, it is worth asking whether ornate bus stops in India could improve both civic pride and citizen well-being. Aesthetically pleasing public infrastructure does more than just catch the eye. Studies from urban design…