BMC proposes 27-vehicle fleet for Mumbai footpath-clearance drives

Twenty-seven vehicles may be hired for BMC footpath-clearance drives across Mumbai’s island city, if the civic body’s Standing Committee approves a proposed year-long contract on Wednesday.

The BMC has estimated the contract cost at ₹3.12 crore, including a 4% contingency provision. Its License Department would use the vehicles for anti-encroachment operations on high-footfall roads and pedestrian routes under the Pedestrian First campaign.

The plan provides for 9,855 shifts during the contract period, with each of the 27 vehicles assigned one 12-hour shift a day.

Infra Transprojects was the lowest bidder, quoting ₹3,050 a shift, the rate estimated by the BMC. Two other agencies participated in the bidding. According to the proposal, a dedicated fleet would enable uninterrupted removal of obstructions from footpaths.

The BMC is carrying out interim work worth up to ₹50 lakh under administrative urgency until the proposed contract begins.