Metro construction and road-digging projects neglect pedestrian safety.
Story so far: In Bengaluru, the number of pedestrian deaths caused by road accidents has almost reached pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, 248 pedestrians were killed in road accidents compared to 272 in 2019.
- The city’s roads are unsafe due to negligent driving, two-wheeler movement and parking on footpaths, jumping signals, and maladaptive infrastructure.
- Poorly planned construction projects deplete road space, making accidents more likely. Metro work and road repair are carried out without any consideration for pedestrians.
Good news: While the numbers moving forward are a cause of concern, there’s an overall decline in pedestrian deaths from the past decade. It could be that a greater number of vehicles on the road has slowed down traffic and reduced the likelihood of accidents.