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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

BMC plans parking curbs in narrow lanes

Mumbai: Amid mounting concerns over delayed emergency response in congested neighbourhoods, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to enforce parking restrictions in several narrow lanes across the city, where indiscriminate on-street parking has increasingly emerged as a critical civic hazard. The move, expected to be implemented soon, is aimed at ensuring unobstructed access for fire engines and ambulances in densely populated pockets where even minor delays can have...

BMC plans parking curbs in narrow lanes

Mumbai: Amid mounting concerns over delayed emergency response in congested neighbourhoods, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to enforce parking restrictions in several narrow lanes across the city, where indiscriminate on-street parking has increasingly emerged as a critical civic hazard. The move, expected to be implemented soon, is aimed at ensuring unobstructed access for fire engines and ambulances in densely populated pockets where even minor delays can have life-threatening consequences. “Illegal parking is not merely a compliance issue; it reflects the structural gap between the rapid growth in vehicle ownership and the limited parking infrastructure available in our cities,” said Prashant Sharma, President of NAREDCO Maharashtra. “As urban centres continue to densify, there is a pressing need to integrate well-planned and technologically enabled parking solutions within city planning as well as new real estate developments. Adequate parking infrastructure will play a crucial role in ensuring smoother traffic flow and improving overall urban mobility,” he added. Highlighting the urgency for scalable interventions, Ashish Majithia, Founder and CEO of Nextkraft Parking Technologies, said, “Mumbai’s parking crisis, especially in older and congested localities, underscores the need for innovative approaches such as automated and multi-level parking systems. Automated or mechanised parking should be installed at every public parking spot, which can significantly increase capacity, reduce dependence on on-street parking and ensure that critical access routes remain unobstructed. Alongside regulatory measures, adopting vertical parking infrastructure will be the key to building safer and more efficient cities.” The civic concern is particularly acute in older parts of South and Central Mumbai, including Chandanwadi, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Gaondevi, Tardeo, Mumbai Central, Nagpada, Agripada and Byculla, where over 240 narrow lanes have been identified. Civic assessments indicate that nearly 35 to 40 of these are so constricted that only a single vehicle can pass at a time, making them highly vulnerable during emergencies when every second is critical. Commercial Zones The situation is further exacerbated in high-density commercial zones such as Zaveri Bazaar and Kalbadevi, where wholesale trade activity leads to persistent vehicular congestion. Authorities warn that in the event of fires or medical emergencies, blocked access routes could result in severe loss of life and property, underlining the gravity of the issue as more than just a traffic inconvenience. According to civic officials, proposed measures include introducing odd-even parking systems in select lanes and declaring complete no-parking zones in others, coupled with stricter enforcement against violators. However, residents and business owners have raised concerns over the absence of adequate alternative parking infrastructure, arguing that enforcement without viable substitutes could shift the burden rather than resolve the problem. As Mumbai continues to grapple with rising vehicle ownership and shrinking urban space, the proposed restrictions bring into sharp focus a deeper civic challenge, balancing immediate regulatory action with long-term infrastructure planning. Experts maintain that unless supported by systematic investments in organised, high-capacity parking solutions, the city’s emergency access bottlenecks may persist despite stricter rules.

The Currency of Composure

In a world full of noise, some people walk in and silence the room — not with power or position, but with presence.


Recently, I met a woman who had that rare quality. Even when she was angry, her composure didn’t crack. Her words were measured, her tone graceful. She didn’t raise her voice, yet every word carried weight. Then there was another — warm, kind, effortlessly likable. She seemed to know how to handle any situation without flinching. Everyone wanted to be around her.


It made me reflect — what makes such individuals stand out so distinctly?


It isn’t only charm or communication. It’s something deeper — a personal brand built on emotional mastery and authenticity.


In business, this trait can be transformative. Whether you’re a founder leading a growing company or a CXO navigating boardrooms, your composure becomes your signature. People decide how much they can trust you, follow you, and invest in you based on how you make them feel.


Think about it. The last deal you closed, the client you lost, the team member who suddenly became disengaged — most of these moments had less to do with your skill, and more to do with how you showed up.


Calm composure during chaos. Confidence without arrogance. Warmth without losing authority. These are not soft skills — they’re strategic assets that define how your brand is perceived.


And yet, many brilliant business owners underestimate this. They invest heavily in scaling operations, hiring consultants, and running campaigns — but neglect the one brand that leads them all: their own.


Personal branding is no longer about how many people know you. It’s about what they remember about you when you leave the room.


I’ve seen CEOs who lose investor confidence simply because they appear dismissive or impatient under pressure. I’ve also seen small business owners who win large contracts simply because their calm, genuine tone builds instant trust. The difference lies not in what they know, but in how they carry themselves.


You may already have a strong business brand, but your personal brand amplifies it. In the digital era, people follow people — not logos. A poised presence, refined communication, and an aligned personal narrative can open doors no marketing budget can.


And here’s the truth — you don’t need to be someone else to do this. The most powerful personal brands are built by people who understand who they are, what they stand for, and how to express it authentically.


When you refine your presence, your brand narrative becomes effortless. People start associating your name with reliability, composure, and credibility — the three currencies that matter most in leadership.


If you’ve ever looked at someone and thought, “I wish I could be that calm, that confident, that composed,” remember — it’s not innate. It’s developed. The question is, are you consciously building that image? Or leaving it to chance?


Because the truth is — people are forming perceptions about you every day, whether you control the narrative or not.


If this resonates with you, it may be time to start shaping your brand intentionally. Perhaps it’s time to pause and ask — what impression do people carry when they think of you?


When your personal brand speaks with grace, authority, and authenticity — you don’t need to raise your voice. The world listens.


In every room you walk into, your presence speaks before you do. And when your personal brand reflects grace, calm, and conviction — opportunities respond accordingly.


To explore this further, you can reach me at suaveu6@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @suaveu6 and LinkedIn – DivyaaAdvaani.


For those ready to take the next step, reach out for a free consultation call to know the details by booking your slot with me on https://sprect.com/pro/divyaaadvaani.


Because sometimes, building your personal brand isn’t about becoming louder — it’s about becoming clearer.


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

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