The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark ruling that redefines walking as a matter of dignity, not a daily struggle. The judgment imposes on governments and civic administrations the duty to provide safe, walkable roads and sidewalks to all citizens. The court observed that no town or city in India currently has safe pavements, calling the situation a systemic failure.
What the Ruling Mandates
The ruling directs all state governments and municipal bodies to ensure that footpaths are constructed, maintained, and kept free of obstructions within a stipulated timeframe. It emphasizes that pedestrians have a fundamental right to safe and accessible pathways. The court has set a deadline of one year for compliance, with progress reports to be submitted every three months.
According to the court, the lack of safe sidewalks disproportionately affects the poor, women, children, and the elderly, who rely on walking as their primary mode of transport. The judgment notes that over 60% of urban trips in India are on foot, yet pedestrian infrastructure remains neglected.
Impact on Urban Planning
Experts say the ruling could transform urban planning in India. Currently, most cities prioritize vehicular traffic over pedestrians. The court has called for a shift in mindset, urging authorities to treat walking as a legitimate and essential mode of transport. It has also directed that new road projects must include pedestrian pathways from the design stage.
The bench, comprising Justices S. Abdul Nazeer and V. Ramasubramanian, stated, "Walking is not merely a mode of transport but an expression of human dignity. The state cannot deny citizens the right to walk safely."
Challenges Ahead
Implementation remains a major hurdle. Many Indian cities lack dedicated budgets for footpath maintenance. Encroachments by vendors, parked vehicles, and debris are common. The court has warned of contempt proceedings if authorities fail to act. It has also suggested that citizen groups be involved in monitoring compliance.
The ruling comes in response to a public interest litigation filed by Pedestrian Rights India, highlighting the hazards faced by walkers. The petitioner argued that the absence of footpaths forces pedestrians onto roads, leading to accidents and fatalities. According to government data, over 20,000 pedestrians are killed in road accidents annually in India.
A Call for Accountability
The judgment holds both central and state governments accountable. It directs the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to issue national guidelines for pedestrian infrastructure within three months. Local bodies must allocate at least 10% of their road budget to footpaths.
The court also noted that the right to walk safely is implicit in Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. "A life without safe passage on foot is not a life of dignity," the bench remarked.
