Inside Andhra's policy to enforce 'right to walk', Pg13

Key Highlights:

• Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to formulate a pedestrian safety policy, the Andhra Pradesh Pedestrian Safety and Universal Accessibility Policy 2026.
• The policy, notified on August 7, mandates a three-step system: road safety audits, fixing footpath infrastructure, and behavioural change.
• This initiative follows a Supreme Court order earlier this year recognizing the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right.
• In 2024, pedestrians accounted for 1,739 out of 8,346 road accident deaths in Andhra Pradesh, and 36,526 out of 1.77 lakh road deaths nationwide.

Detailed Insights:

• The policy applies to all local body areas, with priority implementation for agencies responsible for roads in cities with populations above one million.
• It invokes Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, allowing for fines of Rs 1 lakh on officials, contractors, or consultants for pedestrian deaths or disabilities due to infrastructural failures.
• Local authorities are directed to conduct footpath audits, prioritizing crowded areas and identifying 15-20 "black spots" with frequent pedestrian incidents.
• The policy mandates the removal of unauthorized structures and encroachments on footpaths, recommending automated monitoring systems and pedestrian guardrails.
• Footpath specifications include a minimum two-meter walking area, buffer space, a multi-utility zone, and a maximum height of 150 mm from the road.
• It requires tactile pavers for visually impaired persons and curb ramps at all crossings, discouraging inaccessible foot overbridges where at-grade crossings are feasible.
• The policy also includes provisions for behavioral change among citizens and a district-level grievance mobile application for reporting violations.
• A ranking metric will be used to evaluate the performance of urban local bodies on pedestrian safety.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Right to Walk: Recognized by the Supreme Court as a fundamental right, emphasizing safe pedestrian infrastructure.
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Indian legislation governing motor vehicles, with Section 198A addressing accountability for road design and maintenance.
• Black Spots: Specific locations on roads identified as having a high incidence of accidents, injuries, or fatalities.