A new right of way: What Andhra Pradesh’s Pedestrian Policy means for the public
For millions of people who walk to bus stops, schools, markets, workplaces and other public places every day, Andhra Pradesh’s new Pedestrian Safety and Universal Accessibility Policy could bring a fundamental change
Andhra Pradesh has become the first Indian state to implement a comprehensive framework for pedestrian safety and universal accessibility. The new Pedestrian Safety and Universal Accessibility Policy, 2026, aims to transform constitutional mandates into actionable urban governance. The policy seeks to replace the traditional vehicle-centric approach to road development with people-centric urban spaces.
Key changes include minimum clear walking spaces of two metres, safer road crossings, tactile ground indicators for visually impaired individuals, Braille signage, and audible pedestrian signals. Traffic signal timings will also accommodate slower walking speeds, particularly for the elderly. The policy prioritizes safe at-grade crossings over foot-over-bridges or subways, even for areas where such structures are unavoidable.
Retrofitting existing roads will also be part of the implementation. The policy covers all urban local bodies, rural and peri-urban areas, and satellite towns, not just major cities. Implementation will rely on scientific road audits, GIS mapping, drone surveys, and digital dashboards, along with stricter penalties for non-compliance.
The government plans to identify accident-prone stretches for priority intervention and use recycled materials in pedestrian infrastructure. Ultimately, the success of the policy will be determined by whether citizens can walk to school, cross busy roads, or use footpaths without fear of obstruction.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
