Reviving India’s Footpaths: A Push for Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure

In India, pedestrian infrastructure is often neglected, leading to hazardous walking conditions. Citizen activists like Arun Pai and the Walking Project advocate for better footpaths and policies that prioritize pedestrian safety, aiming to reduce accidents and promote walking as an accessible mode of transport.

In Indian cities, walking can be a perilous endeavor, marked by poorly maintained footpaths that are riddled with obstacles. Arun Pai, who embarked on a mission to gather firsthand accounts from walkers in Bengaluru, has illustrated this issue vividly by organizing an initiative called the "world's longest footpath run." By encouraging participants to document 11 kilometers of footpath obstructions—ranging from hawkers to potholes—he aims to present concrete data to local authorities.

Pai, who founded Bangalore Walks, is one among numerous citizen activists striving for pedestrian-friendly enhancements in India's urban landscape. In Delhi, for instance, the tour company Delhi by Cycle pushes for cycling and walking infrastructure, while awareness campaigns and lobbying are becoming more mainstream as people advocate for their rights to safe and accessible walkways.

Many major cities in India lack sufficient footpath infrastructure; these pathways are often compromised by vendors, parked vehicles, and even animals. Recent reports have revealed that in Mumbai, significant portions of the population—almost 50%—rely on walking, yet pedestrian needs are frequently overlooked in transportation policies. The Walking Project, a citizen advocacy group, has presented a 'pedestrian manifesto' to promote better road management, which includes creating designated hawker zones and improved conditions for those with mobility challenges.

Statistics released by the government highlight the alarming rate of pedestrian fatalities, with more than 10,000 deaths recorded on national highways in 2022 alone. Activists emphasize that a shift from temporary fixes, like speed bumps, to comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure is crucial to enhancing road safety.

Studies conducted in Chennai have shown that better footpath implementation encourages public walking, resulting in both environmental and economic benefits. The researchers discovered that improved footpaths led to increased pedestrian traffic, helping to reduce greenhouse emissions while fostering inclusivity for women and lower-income groups.

Despite these findings, societal perceptions seem to place walking in the domain of leisure, underestimating its daily importance. Geetam Tiwari, a civil engineering professor, emphasizes that city planning has been overly focused on mitigating vehicular congestion at the detriment of pedestrian space. By advocating for a long-term vision that accommodates foot traffic and prioritizes sustainable transport policies, Tiwari believes cities can resolve traffic issues while enhancing pedestrian safety.

With the need for a structured response to pedestrian challenges growing more pressing, the implementation of Non-Motorized Transport Policies (NMTP) could pave the way for systematic improvements across Indian cities. The call to action has never been clearer, urging local leaders to prioritize walking infrastructure in urban planning dialogues.