Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi: Why it is so difficult to walk in Indian cities

Walking in Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi is an audacious task. Despite being bustling metropolises that symbolize India's rapid urbanization and economic growth, the pedestrian experience in these cities often leaves much to be desired. The chaotic streets, combined with the lack of adequate infrastructure, make it a challenge for citizens to navigate the cities on foot. However, the scenario is slowly beginning to change as citizen activists embark on creative endeavours to urge authorities to pay attention to pedestrian infrastructure. In cities that are characterized by their teeming populations and vehicular traffic, pedestrians find themselves in a constant battle for space. The sprawling urban landscapes of Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi are primarily designed with motorists in mind, relegating those who walk to the periphery. Sidewalks, where they exist, are frequently encroached upon by street vendors, parked vehicles, or are in a state of disrepair, forcing pedestrians to step onto the roads and risk their safety among streams of cars, bikes, and auto-rickshaws. The difficulties faced by pedestrians in Indian cities are manifold. Firstly, there is a glaring lack of continuous and unobstructed footpaths. In many instances, footpaths abruptly end, or are uneven and broken, making them inaccessible, particularly for the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Secondly, the absence of safe crossing points at busy intersections forces pedestrians into dangerous dashes across roads. Zebra crossings, where they exist, are