On 19 June, the Supreme Court of India declared walking a fundamental right, ruling that safe, marked footpaths must take priority over motor vehicles. The judgment aligns with the Prime Minister's recent appeal to citizens to cut their petrol and diesel consumption, marking a unified approach from the judiciary and the executive.
Judgment Details and Implications
The apex court bench emphasised that pedestrian infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity. It directed all state governments and municipal authorities to ensure footpaths are free of encroachments, well-lit, and accessible for all citizens, including persons with disabilities. The ruling effectively mandates that urban planning must prioritise non-motorised transport over vehicular traffic.
Fuel Conservation Context
The judgment comes just as the Prime Minister urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption to curb import bills and environmental damage. According to Sarika Panda Bhatt and Randheer Singh, authors of the article, the court and the government have reached the same conclusion: the solution lies within the first 100 metres of every Indian home—the footpath. Promoting walking could save millions of litres of fuel annually.
Impact on Urban Planning
Experts estimate that if walking is made safe and convenient across Indian cities, vehicle trips under 2 kilometres—which account for nearly 40% of urban travel—could shift to walking. This would reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve public health. The Supreme Court's ruling provides a legal foundation for such a shift, making it a duty of the state to provide pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
According to the article, the judgment is a landmark step towards sustainable urban mobility. It not only recognises walking as a fundamental right but also places an obligation on authorities to enforce it, potentially transforming Indian cities into more liveable spaces.
