Walking in Indian cities often feels like navigating an obstacle course, and it's no surprise that pedestrians face numerous challenges on a daily basis. In cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, narrow footpaths, encroaching street vendors, poorly maintained walkways, and a lack of infrastructure make simple acts of walking frustrating and dangerous. These issues highlight a larger problem: India's cities have largely ignored pedestrian infrastructure in favor of prioritizing motorized transport. The result is a daily struggle for millions who rely on walking to navigate their urban environments.
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| Walking in Indian cities can be a daunting challenge due to poor infrastructure |
The Pedestrian Challenge: A Walk in Bengaluru
Arun Pai, a Bengaluru-based activist and founder of Bangalore Walks, is well-acquainted with the difficulties pedestrians face. In an effort to highlight these challenges, Pai recently launched a "fun challenge" called the world’s longest footpath run. Participants walked or jogged along an 11-kilometer stretch of Bengaluru’s footpaths, documenting obstacles like hawkers, garbage, potholes, and broken pavement slabs. The goal was simple: gather concrete data that could push local authorities to address specific problem areas. "When you have specifics, it’s easier to push for change," says Pai. "Rather than complaining about ‘bad footpaths,’ you can point to specific issues that need fixing."
This initiative is part of a growing movement of citizen activists who are advocating for more pedestrian-friendly roads across Indian cities. Despite the enthusiasm, the reality on the ground remains grim: footpaths are often nonexistent, poorly maintained, or overrun with obstacles. In some areas, they are even repurposed as homes for the homeless or parking spaces for vehicles.
The Growing Demand for Walkable Cities
In cities like Mumbai, the Walking Project, a group of concerned citizens, recently released a "pedestrian manifesto" ahead of local elections. The manifesto called for better-designed pedestrian infrastructure, such as designated hawking zones, pedestrian corridors on major roads, and footpaths that are accessible to people with mobility issues. According to Vendant Mhatre, the convener of the Walking Project, nearly 50% of Mumbai’s population relies on walking, yet pedestrians are often the most neglected group when it comes to city planning.
The issue is not only about inconvenience but also about safety. Pedestrian fatalities in India are alarmingly high. According to government data, in 2022 alone, more than 10,000 pedestrians were killed in road accidents, with an additional 21,000 injured. Despite these numbers, the response from authorities is often limited to quick fixes like speed bumps or traffic signals, which fail to address the root cause: the lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure.
The Environmental and Social Benefits of Walkable Cities
There’s a growing body of research showing the benefits of better pedestrian infrastructure. A 2019 study conducted in Chennai found that when the city invested in 100 kilometers of new footpaths, it led to a 9-27% increase in walking among residents. This shift away from motorized transport helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while providing new opportunities for women and lower-income groups, who often rely on walking as their primary mode of transport.
Moreover, improving footpaths could have significant social and economic benefits. When footpaths are well-maintained and accessible, people can save money by walking instead of using taxis or buses. Additionally, better walking conditions can improve the safety of the streets for women and people with disabilities, who often face unique challenges when it comes to navigating urban spaces.
Why Aren’t Footpaths a Priority?
The problem, according to experts like Professor Geetam Tiwari of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, lies in the government’s approach to urban planning. "The focus has always been on solving the problem of car congestion," Tiwari explains. "To ease traffic flow, authorities often narrow down or eliminate footpaths entirely, which further reduces accessibility for pedestrians." This approach not only harms pedestrians but also exacerbates traffic congestion by discouraging people from using public transport.
Tiwari suggests a paradigm shift in urban planning. Instead of narrowing footpaths to accommodate more cars, cities should focus on improving pedestrian infrastructure to encourage people to walk or use public transport. "Improving pedestrian facilities can actually solve traffic congestion in the long run," she adds. "If people have safe, accessible routes to public transport, they will be less likely to rely on cars."
Moving Towards Change: Policy Reforms and Local Action
India is at a crossroads when it comes to urban mobility. While some cities have started implementing Non-Motorized Transport Policies (NMTP) to improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, progress has been slow. Currently, only a few cities, like Bengaluru and Pune, have adopted such policies. However, experts argue that it’s time for more cities to follow suit and prioritize non-motorized transport as part of their urban development strategies.
One of the key solutions, according to activists and urban planners, is to create interconnected, well-designed footpaths that can accommodate high footfall. "Authorities need to understand that pedestrians are a vital part of urban mobility," says Mhatre. "If we can make the streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians, the entire city will benefit."
India's cities are in dire need of a pedestrian revolution. As the country continues to urbanize rapidly, it's crucial that city planners and politicians recognize the importance of walking infrastructure and invest in creating safer, more accessible streets for pedestrians. Until then, pedestrians will continue to face obstacles at every step.
Conclusion
The daily challenges faced by pedestrians in Indian cities are a reflection of the larger issues within urban planning. For too long, cities have neglected the needs of walkers, prioritizing vehicles and motorized transport. However, with growing awareness and citizen-led initiatives, there is hope for change. By focusing on better pedestrian infrastructure, we can not only improve safety and quality of life for millions of people but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for India’s cities.
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