International hawking stall inaugrated at Colaba Casueway, Standardised stalls will improve aesthetics of Colaba said Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar

Mumbai 2 October 2024,As part of the Colaba Causeway beautification initiative, the Maharashtra assembly speaker, Rahul Narwekar, today inaugurated an international standard hawker stall at Colaba Causeway. This project aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Colaba Causeway by introducing standardized hawking stalls and shop name boards.

Inaugurating the pilot stall, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said, "this stall has been designed by an expert, highlighting its convenience for the local hawkers. The project's goal of standardizing the appearance of stalls and shop name boards along the causeway to create a distinctive identity and boost tourism in the area. Additionally, plans are in place to alleviate traffic congestion at the causeway, providing relief to the residents."

In addition to hawking stalls, the project includes enhancements to pavements and the installation of new lighting to enhance the area's appeal to tourists. "If response to this pilot stall is positive, 187 more such stalls will be installed. District Collector has already given ₹2.5 crores for hawking stalls," said Makarand Narwekar, former corporator.

*The Stall and Beneficiary*

The first stall was given to Munawar Ali, 51, who runs readymade clothes stall at Causeway for last 28 years. "Colaba Causeway Tourism Hawkers Stall Union is thankful for Rahul and Makarand Narwekar for their efforts to get us this modern stall. It has a shed for rains. This 5x3 feet stall has enough space to store our goods. Stall has wheels making it convenient for us to move it. "

*Colaba causeway beautification project stalled by BMC, says Makarand Narwekar*

However, former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar raised concerns about the delay in the beautification project by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "The beautification works at causeway like improvement of foothparhs, which was earlier approved by BMC and funds were sanctioned for it has now stalled. Files are stopped by officials without any reason. There is no reason intimated to us as to why these works are not starting," said Makarand Narwekar.

Makarand Narwekar recently wrote a letter to Bhushan Gagrani, the Municipal Commissioner, expressing his apprehension about the suspension of funding and its potential impact on the residents of Colaba. He stressed the vision to restore Colaba Causeway to its former splendor in accordance with the guidelines of the Indian Road Congress. However, he lamented the unforeseen delays and urged that any operational challenges or suggestions be communicated in writing to ensure the smooth progress of the project.