If DDA walks the talk, Delhi will be safer for pedestrians

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Development Authority plans to redesign pedestrian crossings, especially in high-traffic corridors, by fixing problems in existing footpaths and constructing new ones, wherever required. The aim, the agency claimed, was to make the city safer for its “foot soldiers”. A draft walkability plan was approved on Monday and will be placed in public domain for three weeks to invite comments.
“The walkability plan for Chennai inspired this decision.It was felt the capital should also take a step in this direction with policy intervention and initiatives like removal of encroachments from footpaths, identifications of vending zones, plantation of shaded trees, walkable distances, installation of street furniture and signage etc,” a DDA official said.

According to Delhi Traffic Police, in 2018, 1,562 people were killed in road accidents in the city and 740 of them were pedestrians.
DDA is the main land-owning agency in the capital and has powers to issue policies and regulations related to urban development and mobility.
Several meetings were held with various agencies involved — NDMC, EDMC, north Delhi municipal corporation, SDMC, Delhi transport department, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the National Institute of Urban Affairs — to discuss “walkability” and “green mobility”. The draft policy document was then shared with local bodies, the Public Works Department, Delhi traffic police, and so on.
While consultants for the project will be appointed, the plans will be executed by the road-owning agencies of the respective areas.
The plan aims to strengthen existing pedestrian infrastructure in areas where it is not properly maintained or is inadequate, and develop the infrastructure where it is not available at all.
“The draft policy contains a provision for barrier-free footpaths, and creation of a continuous pedestrian network as per principles of universal design, including integration with existing public places, parks, green areas and open spaces. There are also plans for making pelican crossings near schools and other major pedestrian crossings that cater to children, elderly and the infirm. Another provision in the draft is to add street furniture, such as benches, garbage receptacles, signage giving information regarding directions, location of various public utilities, and so on,” the official said.
The sites where the pilot project will be implemented are: ITO junction, Delhi University (North and South Campus), Uttam Nagar Crossing, Chandni Chowk, all the three ISBTs, Hauz Khas-IIT Delhi, Nehru Place, Bhikaji Cama Place, Karol Bagh, Saket-Malviya Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Lakshmi Nagar, Sector-21 Metro Station, Dwarka, Adhchini Area on Aurobindo Marg, Old Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station.