Page 9 - HUDCO DARPAN APRIL 2025

A Pedestrian's Musings

India is currently undergoing an unprecedented issues. In some places, the situation was
transformation in infrastructure development. Be c o m p o u n d e d b y o p e n m a n h o l e s ,
it the expansion of road networks, the encroachments, and parked vehicles blocking
modernization of railway lines, or the growth in the way, turning what should be a simple walk
the number of ports and airports, we are into a daunting task.
witnessing progress on a scale that surpasses
Footpaths are more than just pathways—they are
any previous era in our independent history.
vital components of urban infrastructure. They
These advancements are poised to significantly
support pedestrian mobility, ensure safety, and
enhance economic activity and contribute to
contribute to the overall accessibility and
long-term national prosperity.
inclusiveness of public spaces. A large
But what about our footpaths? percentage of daily trips in Indian cities are made
on foot, and yet, pedestrian infrastructure often
As someone accustomed to using private
receives inadequate attention.
vehicles or the metro for daily commutes,
pedestrian infrastructure had never truly Encouragingly, design standards and urban
featured in my day-to-day considerations—until mobility policies for footpaths do exist. Several
a medical recommendation to incorporate pilot projects and smart city initiatives have
walking into my routine prompted a change in already shown what well-planned pedestrian
perspective. What began as a simple walk to a spaces can achieve. However, the key challenge
nearby shopping mall, less than a kilometre away, remains in translating these plans into
became an eye-opening experience. consistent, on-ground execution.

While I was aware that our footpaths could be As we continue to build and expand our urban
improved, I was unprepared for the extent of infrastructure, there is an urgent need to embrace
challenges pedestrians face. Uneven surfaces, the concept of "complete streets"—roads that
broken paver blocks, inconsistent widths and serve all users, including pedestrians, cyclists,
varying heights made the walk not just and persons with disabilities. This shift will not
uncomfortable but, at times, unsafe. In many only enhance the safety and comfort of those
locations, the absence of ramps and smooth who walk, but also align our cities with the
surfaces made it nearly impossible for broader goals of sustainability, health, and
wheelchair users and others with mobility needs inclusive growth.
to navigate. Damaged street furniture and poorly
It is time we recognize that a city's progress is not
maintained landscape added to the experience,
only measured by the speed of its expressways,
and instances of garbage accumulation reflected
but also by the ease and dignity with which its
a lack of regular maintenance.
citizens can walk.
This experience in a relatively well-developed
area of South Delhi made me wonder about
conditions elsewhere. Subsequent walks in other Kanika Basu
parts of Delhi—and even in metropolitan cities JGM - COSW
like Kolkata and Mumbai—revealed similar Corporate Office

7 HUDCO DARPAN