India, March 10 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to formulate a policy permitting al fresco dining (open-air dining) for Kala Ghoda precinct, allowing restaurants to place outdoor tables and chairs under a regulated framework as part of efforts to transform the heritage neighbourhood into a pedestrian-friendly cultural district.

The move comes as the civic body nears completion of Phase I of the Kala Ghoda beautification project, which is expected to open to the public later this month.

Jaydeep More, acting assistant commissioner of A ward, said the proposed policy will regulate how restaurants can use public space for outdoor dining. "There will be a ground rent imposed on restaurants to set up tables and chairs f...