Overview
- The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, partnered with WRI India, launched the BKC Weekly Public Transport Day on Friday, June 5, asking organisations to encourage employees to use public or shared transport at least once a week.
- MMRDA clarified on June 9 that the scheme is voluntary and not a car ban or traffic restriction, and it plans to begin active outreach around June 12.
- The authority has directed its own staff to use public transport on Fridays to lead by example and secured in‑principle backing from metro agencies, BEST, traffic police and about 90 companies.
- Officials cited commuter studies showing about 52% of BKC trips are by personal vehicle, only about 25% use public transport, and over half of commuters spend more than two hours daily, while Metro Line 3 is already running and Lines 2B and 4 are due to improve access further.
- Authorities present the Friday campaign as a possible national model but experts warn its success depends on faster delivery of feeder shuttles, covered walkways, reliable last‑mile links and corporate incentives to make public travel a practical daily choice.