With shrinking pathways and reckless driving, Chennai has become unsafe for pedestrians.
What’s it about? In the past year, more than 170 people have died after being hit by vehicles. Among the habitual offenders are MTC buses and private vans. With construction work ongoing in many parts, light vehicles like bikes are forced onto pedestrian platforms.
- The little space in walkways is now occupied by unauthorised hawkers and commercial establishments. Half of pedestrian accidents happen on footpaths. 19% of accidents happened while crossing the road.
- Violations have continued despite initiatives by the Chennai police. Experts have called for better coordination between state agencies to improve stop lines and reset traffic signals.
Who said what? Activist K Senthil said encroachments had put pedestrians at risk with little action by the Corporation. Kapil Kumar from the Chennai Police said motorists have to drive responsibly to ensure pedestrian safety. Aswathy Dilip from ITDP said government policies have to prioritise pedestrians over motorists.
- Despite Chennai being the first metro to have a non-motorised vehicle policy, many stretches continue to have narrow footpaths and inadequate crossings.