As Mumbai gears up for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday, January 15, civic issues are at the forefront of voter concerns. For many residents, the elections are not just about political allegiances but about solutions to long-standing urban challenges that affect their daily lives. From redevelopment delays and erratic water supply to worsening air quality, traffic congestion, and crumbling roads, voters are looking for practical measures rather than lofty promises.

Redevelopment and Housing

Redevelopment remains one of the most pressing concerns for Mumbaikars. In South Mumbai, tenants in old buildings and residents awaiting relocation under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme express frustration over stalled projects. Ageing structures, some over a century old, pose safety risks, yet many residents find themselves in limbo as bureaucratic delays stall rehabilitation efforts.

Pagdi tenants, particularly in areas like Girgaum, Cumballa Hill, and Malabar Hill, have been vocal about the need for timely rehabilitation. “We’ve been waiting for years. Every monsoon, the risk of accidents and structural damage increases,” said a resident of Girgaum. Beyond physical safety, residents also seek accountability and faster execution of housing projects, a promise often repeated but rarely fulfilled in past municipal terms.

Parking and Traffic

South Mumbai’s narrow lanes and historic precincts bring another layer of urban frustration: parking. With the rise of private vehicles, the lack of adequate parking facilities has become a daily struggle. Residents demand multi-level parking structures, resident-only zones, and stricter enforcement against illegal parking. Traffic congestion in these areas exacerbates air pollution and extends commute times, highlighting the need for integrated traffic management strategies.

In the suburbs, heavy traffic remains a recurring grievance. Commuters in Andheri, Jogeshwari, and Malad report long delays due to bottlenecks on arterial roads and inadequate last-mile connectivity. The promise of metro expansions and improved road networks is frequently cited, but residents are skeptical, citing repeated delays in implementation.

Water Supply and Sanitation

Uneven water distribution and contamination are also critical concerns, particularly in Mumbai’s older localities. Areas such as Kalina, Andheri East, and Jogeshwari report low water pressure, erratic supply schedules, and continued reliance on water tankers, often controlled by informal networks dubbed the “tanker mafia.”

Residents stress that improving water supply is not just a convenience but a health imperative. Reports of contaminated water in older suburbs have raised concerns over hygiene and public safety, especially in areas with dense populations and ageing pipelines.

Civic Infrastructure and Pollution

Civic infrastructure issues extend beyond water and roads. Potholes, crumbling sidewalks, and poorly maintained public spaces continue to inconvenience residents across the city. Air pollution, particularly during peak traffic hours, is increasingly being cited as a health hazard. Many voters express frustration over lack of monitoring, ineffective traffic management, and slow implementation of pollution-control measures.

Election Context

The 2026 BMC elections feature a competitive three-cornered contest in Mumbai. The main contenders include the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS coalition, and the Congress-VBA alliance. A total of 1,700 candidates are vying for Mumbai’s 227 municipal wards. Across Maharashtra, 34.8 million voters are eligible to elect representatives for 2,869 seats in 893 municipal corporations, with Pune seeing 1,166 candidates contesting. Voting will begin at 7:30 am and conclude at 5:30 pm on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16.

Voter Expectations

Mumbaikars appear focused on tangible outcomes rather than political rhetoric. Residents emphasise that timely implementation of development projects, reliable water supply, better traffic management, cleaner roads, and pollution control measures are what truly impact daily life. While parties campaign with promises, citizens are looking for accountability and practical solutions that address their immediate concerns.

In a city that serves as India’s financial hub, these civic challenges are not just inconveniences—they affect livelihoods, health, and quality of life. As voters head to the polls, candidates will need to demonstrate not only vision but actionable plans to address the urban challenges Mumbai has faced for decades.

The BMC elections are therefore being closely watched, not just as a political battle, but as a referendum on the city’s governance and its capacity to solve persistent civic issues.