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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.

Wealth Creation: The Bamboo Plant

Updated: Feb 18, 2025

The Bamboo Plant

Wealth creation through direct stocks and equity mutual funds is much like the story of the bamboo plant—a lesson that legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid often shares to emphasize the importance of persistence and patience.


The Bamboo Plant: A Story of Faith and Growth

Investing in equities, whether through direct stocks or mutual funds, follows a trajectory similar to the growth cycle of the bamboo plant. When a bamboo seed is planted, it requires consistent nurturing—water, fertile soil, and sunshine. However, for the first four years, there is minimal visible growth above the ground. This tests the patience of the grower, who may begin to doubt whether their efforts will ever yield results.


Then, in the fifth year, after four years of underground development, a miraculous transformation occurs—the bamboo plant rapidly grows, sometimes reaching up to 80 feet in just a few months. This extraordinary growth is only possible because, during the seemingly stagnant years, the plant was developing an extensive underground rhizome system, creating a strong foundation to support its rapid expansion.


Similarly, equity investments may not show immediate returns. The markets can appear stagnant or even decline in the initial years, testing an investor's faith. However, those who remain patient and stay invested for the long term often witness exponential growth in their wealth. The process of wealth creation is often back-ended, with the majority of profits flowing later. Hence, it is important to maintain a long-term horizon—5, 7, 10, 15, 20 years—to truly benefit from compounding and economic growth. Ultimately, the key is to align your investment time period with your various financial goals.


Rahul Dravid: A Champion of Patience and Persistence

Rahul Dravid, known for his unwavering determination and resilience on the cricket field, frequently refers to the bamboo story to illustrate the value of long-term commitment. His cricketing career epitomized the same principles—building an innings slowly, enduring tough phases, and reaping the rewards through perseverance. Dravid’s approach to both cricket and life aligns closely with the philosophy of equity investing.


The Key Takeaways for Investors

• Invest Sufficiently: Allocate a significant portion of your savings to equities to benefit from long-term growth.

• Invest Regularly: Consistency in investing ensures that you take advantage of market fluctuations and compounding benefits.

• Stay Invested: Patience and commitment are key; staying invested through market ups and downs leads to substantial wealth creation.

Equity investments, much like the bamboo plant, require patience, faith, and commitment. As Rahul Dravid often reiterates, success—whether in cricket or wealth creation—comes to those who are willing to play the long game.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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