Mumbai Celebrates Equal Streets

When the denizens of Mumbai venture out of their homes to claim their streets, the Carnival Begins!! :)

Sacrificing their Sunday morning sleep, city lovers and sports enthusiasts participate in Times of India’s recent initiative called Equal Streets. The premise of this undertaking is simple- people have as much right to the roads as do vehicles!

Last Sunday morning, I participated in the campaign by walking the long stretch between Santcruz (West) to Bandra (West) and back. Accompanied by two uncles, an aunt and my father, I finally joined the bandwagon, I so eagerly wanted to be a part of.

The traffic on one side of this ever-so-busy stretch was reserved for people to do literally whatever they liked… Iskcon’s Hare Ramas chanted and artists painted. Yoga co-existed with zumba and folk music with indie-pop; bollywood music was not left far too behind.

People were seen walking, jogging, bicycling, tricycling, skating and skateboarding. Infants were escorted in prams by their parents. That too must be a fun ride, I suppose.

The streets were being colored, literally, by little children while a footballer showed off some balancing acts to entertain the crowd. Groups of people also played cricket, football and basketball near the sidewalk.

One nuclear family didn’t feel the need to visit the nearby Juhu Beach as they got a chance to sit on a number of newspapers, which served as mats, as they enjoyed the early morning sun rays.

In the meantime, Shoppers Stop- a renowned store- executed a drive to distribute bottled water to the policemen managing the crowd at the event. Indeed a very thoughtful and eye-catching PR exercise.

Speaking of police, I must admit that the security at Equal Streets was flawless. While the Mumbai Police stood guard to prevent and control untoward incidences, the traffic police too put their best foot forward by manning all crossroads and leading the pedestrians safely to the other side.

Times of India also arranged for volunteers aplenty and medical professionals to ensure that all visitors had a safe and enjoyable time with their friends and family. 

My companions and I witnessed 45 children in school uniforms participating in the event. Upon enquiry, my father learned that the children and their teachers had traveled all the way from Thane (a far-away suburb) for this experience. 

Since I too had traveled from Jogeshwari to be there, I realized that space truly is of great value to Mumbaiites. And when an entire road is opened up to them, they will not miss a chance to leave their footprints on that trail! I also experienced pleasure as I watched all vehicles cramming to one side of the road and the drivers envying the pedestrians as they rollicked and celebrated on the other side. 

Equal Streets is a wonderful initiative which must be supported by all Mumbaiites. While this is not the first of its kind internationally, it indeed is one of the first in Mumbai. Being a part of the campaign makes you fall in love with Mumbai a little more, it makes you feel its spirit all around you- talking, walking, smiling, laughing, falling and sprinting back up!

Equal Streets has won my heart. I hope it does yours too…