South Delhi's Hazardous Walkways Finally Get Attention
Walking near Lady Shri Ram College in south Delhi has long been a dangerous challenge. Pedestrians face broken footpaths, illegal encroachments, and unchecked parking. These problems force people onto busy roads, creating constant risks.
A Long-Awaited Safety Initiative
The Public Works Department has now stepped in with concrete solutions. They approved projects worth over Rs 60 lakh to transform pedestrian safety along Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and adjoining roads.
This stretch serves thousands daily. Students, office workers, residents, and shoppers all navigate this corridor. Metro stations, schools, banks, clinics, and shops line the area, creating heavy foot traffic.
Despite the constant flow of people, pedestrian infrastructure has remained shockingly inadequate for years.
The Daily Dangers Pedestrians Face
Current conditions make walking treacherous. Footpaths appear in short, uneven patches rather than continuous walkways. Illegal parking, especially of two-wheelers, often blocks the entire walking space.
Shop extensions, signage, flowerpots, and informal stalls further narrow or completely obstruct footpaths. In many spots, footpaths simply end abruptly, pushing pedestrians directly into traffic lanes.
People must walk alongside buses, autos, e-rickshaws, and motorcycles, particularly during peak hours. For children, elderly residents, and people with disabilities, these conditions present serious dangers.
Comprehensive Safety Measures Planned
The PWD's approved project includes multiple improvements. Workers will build a traffic island near Lady Shri Ram College. They will install guard rails at key locations. Footpaths along Raja Dheer Sen Marg will be raised to clearly define pedestrian space.
Damaged concrete interlocking paver blocks on existing footpaths and central verges will be removed. Serviceable material will be reused where possible, ensuring efficient use of resources.
A particularly important feature involves yellow tactile tiles. These will be laid along footpaths with proper alignment and level to assist visually challenged pedestrians.
Additional improvements include better treatment of footpath edges and proper finishing touches. These changes should make walkways clearly demarcated and more durable over time.
The Challenge of Enforcement
Project success ultimately depends on efficient removal of encroachments and curbing illegal parking. Without addressing these underlying issues, even improved infrastructure could become compromised.
The department's intervention marks a significant step toward reclaiming pedestrian space in an area where walking has become nothing short of dangerous. Residents hope these measures will restore basic walkability to one of south Delhi's busiest corridors.
