Footpaths Vanish Under Encroachments in Thane.

Vendors, vehicles, and stalls take over walkways meant for pedestrians.

Once meant for pedestrians, many footpaths in Thane are now occupied by hawkers, stalls, parked vehicles, garbage, and shop extensions. Citizens are forced to walk on roads, raising safety concerns. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) spent crores to beautify and build these footpaths. But due to lack of follow-up and growing encroachments, they’ve become unusable. Busy areas like Talao Pali, Naupada, Ram Maruti Road, and Gokhale Road are worst affected. Despite complaints, action has been slow. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had asked the Urban Development Department to clear footpaths. However, footpaths remain blocked due to poor enforcement. Areas like Naupada, Khopat, Kalwa, Majiwada, and others see daily encroachment. Authorities say hawkers and illegal stalls have increased due to lack of proper regulation. Citizens demand that officials take strict action and restore footpaths for public use.