The Supreme Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India and the states to conduct a safety audit of footpaths in fifty cities in the country. These include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kannur. The bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala also directed that rules be framed under the Motor Vehicles Act within six months to ensure safety of pedestrians and the quality of roads.

In developed countries, pedestrians and cyclists are given utmost care and allowed dedicated pathways for commuting. It is unfortunate that in populous India, pedestrians are given only ‘cattle class’ consideration.

The sidewalks of Indian cities are being taken over by vendors of small stalls, fruits and other shops. It is a common sight across the nation, notw

See Full Page