India is a nation of walkers - but its cities forgot them
India's top court has put the spotlight on unsafe footpaths and the country's forgotten pedestrians.
India is often regarded as a nation of walkers, with around 45 million people walking to work daily, far outnumbering those who commute by private vehicles. However, cities in India have largely neglected pedestrian needs, leading to unsafe and often non-existent footpaths. Despite being the most democratic mode of transport, walking has been pushed to the margins of road networks due to poor infrastructure.
This neglect is particularly concerning for women and other vulnerable groups who rely on walking but face significant risks. The Supreme Court has recently recognized walking as a fundamental right, emphasizing the state's duty to provide safe footpaths. This judgment marks a shift from decades of urban planning that prioritized vehicles over pedestrians, resulting in hazardous conditions for those who walk.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
