The Challenge of Pedestrian Infrastructure in Indian Cities

Indian cities grapple with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure as citizen activists push for better footpaths and walking conditions. Urban areas are often hindered by encroachment from vendors, poor maintenance, and a lack of prioritization for pedestrian safety, despite the recognition that a significant portion of the population relies on walking.

In India, navigating city streets on foot can be daunting, with pedestrians frequently facing an array of obstacles. Arun Pai, the founder of Bangalore Walks, recently identified these challenges in Bengaluru by launching a "fun challenge" called the 'world's longest footpath run.' Participants traversed an 11km (8 miles) stretch, documenting hindrances like garbage, hawkers, and damaged pathways.

"The aim is to provide specific examples to authorities so they can act, motivating them to address exact issues," Pai explains. His organization is one among several citizen-led initiatives striving to improve pedestrian conditions across the country's densely populated cities. In Delhi, advocacy efforts by the cycle tour company, Delhi by Cycle, seek to promote walking and cycling by initiating awareness activities and rallying support from local politicians.

Unfortunately, inadequate footpaths are a common sight in major urban centers, often overrun by street vendors, parked vehicles, or even livestock. Existing pathways may not adhere to construction standards or are poorly maintained, contributing to a perilous walking experience amid heavy traffic. Instances of encroachment by businesses further complicate pedestrian safety.

Citizens in Mumbai, through a group called the Walking Project, have recently unveiled a 'pedestrian manifesto' ahead of state elections, calling attention to the city's neglected road conditions. Among their demands are dedicated hawking zones, improved parking solutions, and pedestrian-friendly corridors along busy roads. The urgency of these measures is underscored by statistics showing that nearly 50% of Mumbai residents rely on walking as their primary mode of transport, yet pedestrian interests often remain overlooked in urban planning.

In 2022, the grim reality of pedestrian safety was highlighted by government data indicating over 10,000 pedestrian fatalities on national highways, with 21,000 more sustaining injuries in accidents. Experts argue that current solutions, like adding speed bumps, are inadequate compared to the need for interconnected footpaths that can handle high volumes of foot traffic.

A 2019 study in Chennai illustrated that newly constructed pathways led to a notable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, with a 9% to 27% rise in individuals opting to walk rather than use vehicles. Improved footpaths offer significant advantages, particularly for women and lower-income demographics, by facilitating access and cost savings.

Geetam Tiwari, a civil engineering professor, critiques the prevailing focus on mitigating vehicle congestion at the expense of pedestrian infrastructure. She states that narrowing footpaths can obstruct pedestrian access to public transit, exacerbating traffic issues in the long term. Tiwari advocates for adopting guidelines from the Indian Road Congress and implementing Non-Motorised Transport Policies (NMTP) in more cities to enhance infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

Despite the widespread impact of these issues, there remains a diminished public awareness regarding pedestrian infrastructure. Many individuals lack exposure to optimal walking conditions, limiting their expectations of footpath quality. As citizens begin to recognize walking as a daily necessity rather than merely a leisure activity, advocacy for pedestrian-friendly urban designs is more critical than ever.

In conclusion, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in Indian cities presents both a challenge and an opportunity for improved urban living. As civic activists and experts call for reform, the necessity remains to address the needs of pedestrians in future urban policy considerations.