Jaipur: The city's pedestrian safety infrastructure is failing at several major intersections, where barricades and pavement railings are obstructing access to zebra crossings, forcing people to cross through fast-moving traffic despite marked pedestrian zones.
Obstructions at Key Junctions
At many junctions, railings installed by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation and barricades placed by the traffic police for free-left movement have cut off direct access to crossings. While zebra crossings and stop lines were painted to improve road safety, pedestrians are often unable to reach or safely use them.
The issue is visible at busy intersections including Moti Doongri Ganesh Mandir Chouraha on JLN Marg, stretches of Sahakar Marg, and Gandhi Nagar Tiraha on Tonk Road. At these locations, barricades meant to streamline left-turn traffic interrupt pedestrian pathways, while in some places, pavement railings leave no opening for people to step onto zebra crossings.
Concerns at Signal-Free Intersections
Concerns are more serious at Laxmi Mandir Tiraha and B2B Crossing on Tonk Road, Jaipur's two designated signal-free intersections. Despite heavy pedestrian movement in the area, there are no effective systems to regulate crossings, leaving people to navigate uninterrupted traffic flow without protection.
Post-Accident Measures
Following the Harmada accident in November 2025, in which over 11 people were killed, authorities decided to install stop lines and zebra crossings at nearly 200 intersections across Jaipur. A Jaipur Development Authority engineer said intersections were identified during a Traffic Control Board meeting, and police and JMC officials were informed about possible conflicts with barricades and railings.
Expert Criticism
Road safety experts criticised the planning, saying free-left movement cannot coexist with pedestrian crossings unless proper slip lanes and safe crossing systems are created.
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Arpit Basu: With more than one-and-a-half decade's experience in print and digital media, Arpit Basu has reported on aviation, transport, crime, civic and human interests issues. His sting operation on how precious Aviation Turbine Fuel, meant for Kolkata airport, was pilfered and sold in local market as 'white kerosene' received widespread acclaim. Arpit had received a letter of appreciation for reporting during the Phalin cyclone in Odisha in 2013. He has also received training from Google and Facebook on fact-checking.
