Walking Woes: Navigating the Obstacles of Indian Urban Streets

Despite the majority dependence on walking for commuting in Indian cities, inadequate footpaths and neglect from authorities pose significant obstacles. Activists advocate for urgent reforms to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.

In India, pedestrians often find themselves navigating a minefield of obstacles when attempting to walk on city streets. Arun Pai, an advocate for walking in Bengaluru, has discovered through community input that most footpaths are in disrepair. To raise awareness, he initiated a "fun challenge" known as the 'world's longest footpath run', encouraging people to walk along an 11km stretch while documenting obstacles like vendors, litter, and broken pathways. This initiative aims to provide concrete examples to local authorities for necessary repairs.

As the founder of Bangalore Walks, Pai joins a group of citizen advocates across India pushing for enhanced pedestrian-friendly policies. In the capital, New Delhi, a tour organization called Delhi by Cycle is working to create more cycle-friendly pathways. Advocates are holding awareness events, creating walking apps, and lobbying politicians for safer streets.

Despite the high demand for walkable infrastructure, especially in urban areas where footpaths are scarce and often blocked by shops and parked vehicles, local governments have yet to take effective action. In Mumbai, the Walking Project launched a 'pedestrian manifesto' to coincide with elections, drawing attention to the need for dedicated walking paths and better facilities for those with mobility challenges. With nearly 50% of Mumbai's residents relying on walking, their safety remains a neglected aspect of urban planning, resulting in a concerning number of pedestrian fatalities each year.

Research from various cities, such as Chennai, highlights the benefits of improving footpath networks, showing that better pedestrian facilities can lead to reduced transport costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improved health outcomes. Walking is often undervalued; many citizens view it solely as a recreational activity rather than a necessary, everyday mode of transportation.

Civil engineering expert Geetam Tiwari notes that the focus on easing car congestion often comes at the expense of pedestrian infrastructure, with footpaths being narrowed or entirely removed. She believes that maintaining congestion while simultaneously enhancing walking facilities could alleviate traffic woes over time. Tiwari advocates for adherence to guidelines from the Indian Road Congress and a broader implementation of Non-Motorised Transport Policies (NMTP) to ensure cycling and pedestrian considerations in urban design.

Ultimately, as cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru strive for more walkable environments, citizen activism and policy changes may reshape the future of urban navigation across India.