BJP corporator urges BMC to develop Singapore-style hawker zone at Colaba Causeway in Mumbai

Mumbai: BJP Corporator, Makarand Narwekar, appealed to BMC to launch a pilot project transforming Colaba Causeway into a regulated, Singapore-style hawker zone.In a letter addressed to the BMC commissioner, Narwekar said that the civic body should design, own and rent out uniform street vending stalls to eligible vendors, on the lines of Singapore’s highly successful govt-managed hawker centre system.According to Narwekar, the BMC-led model would boost tourism and generate revenue. It is time to organise hawkers at designated spaces and restrict new encroachments. Besides streamlining stall layouts, the project ensures that vibrant street commerce can coexist seamlessly with pedestrian movement, providing relief to local residents from persistent traffic snarls, Narwekar said.Narwekar pointed out that through rental income, BMC can fund high-standard civic services, including rigorous cleanliness drives and regular waste monitoring. “Colaba Causeway needs improved mobility. While BMC is planning many traffic changes, this model will further ease movement of pedestrians and revitalise south Mumbai’s tourism landscape,” added Narwekar.