Mumbai, India – A novel initiative is set to bring the rich history and untold stories behind the names of Mumbai’s over 19,000 roads to the public. Project Mumbai, a non-profit organization, in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is launching ‘Naksha,’ an ambitious project that will utilize QR codes to provide accessible historical information about the city’s streets.
The Naksha initiative aims to foster a deeper sense of connection and ownership among Mumbaikars by educating them about the prominent personalities, historical events, and local significance embedded in the names of their city’s roads. Initially, the project plans to implement QR codes on signboards of at least 100 key roads by the end of August, including well-known thoroughfares like Cotton Green, JJ Road, and Colaba Causeway.
With the help of volunteers, historians, and writers, Project Mumbai has already mapped the cultural history of approximately 700 roads in South Mumbai’s Zone 1, covering areas such as Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive, Ballard Estate, and Grant Road. The project seeks to illuminate the contributions of individuals, some of whom may not be widely known, whose names adorn the city’s streets.
Shishir Joshi, CEO and founder of Project Mumbai, explained that the project not only maps the cultural history of the roads but also aims to create a sense of pride and belonging among residents. The BMC is actively supporting the initiative by providing lists of road names from various wards, enabling volunteers to expand the mapping efforts across the entire city.
Beyond the historical narratives, the BMC is also exploring the integration of civic amenities information, such as nearby parks, police stations, and hospitals, which will also be accessible through these QR codes on a dedicated digital platform. This expansion aims to provide a more comprehensive resource for citizens and tourists alike, offering practical details alongside historical context.
This QR code integration is part of a broader push by the BMC to enhance transparency and public access to information regarding civic projects and city governance. Similar QR code systems have been introduced for construction projects to provide real-time updates on work status, duration, and other relevant details.
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The Chenab Times News Desk