BMC Clears Illegal Hawkers and Footpath Encroachments on Mohammed Ali Road, Ibrahim Merchant Road

Major anti-encroachment drive eases traffic and pedestrian movement in South Mumbai’s busiest commercial corridors

In a decisive civic action, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out a large-scale removal of illegal hawkers and unauthorized footpath extensions on Mohammed Ali Road and Ibrahim Merchant Road on February 2, 2026. The operation was executed by the ‘B’ Administrative Ward, targeting two of South Mumbai’s most congested and commercially vital roads.

The drive was undertaken on the instructions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-1) Chanda Jadhav, and led on the ground by Assistant Commissioner (B Ward) Yogesh Desai. Civic officials said the action was necessary to restore pedestrian safety and ensure smoother vehicular movement in the area.

Mohammed Ali Road, a key arterial stretch connecting Bhendi Bazaar, Masjid Bunder, and Byculla, and Ibrahim Merchant Road, located close to Nagdevi and Mandvi, are both recognised as high-density commercial corridors. Over time, unauthorised extensions on footpaths and illegal hawker setups had severely restricted road width, creating daily traffic snarls and forcing pedestrians onto busy carriageways.

During the operation, the civic team removed seven illegal shops, demolished 12 unauthorised platforms (ottes), dismantled tin and iron sheds, cleared 10 illegally placed bollards, and took action against two abandoned vehicles. The encroachment removal was carried out using four municipal vehicles, two JCB machines, and additional equipment.

A force of around 40 BMC officers and staff, supported by adequate police bandobast, was deployed to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly without law-and-order issues.

Local residents and shopkeepers expressed relief and satisfaction following the action, noting that footpaths have become accessible again and traffic flow has visibly improved. Civic officials reiterated that such anti-encroachment drives will continue on a regular basis to prevent the re-emergence of illegal structures and to safeguard public spaces.

The BMC has also appealed to citizens and traders to cooperate with municipal authorities, warning that strict action will be taken against any future unauthorised or extended constructions in the area.