In a push for pedestrian safety, the Maharashtra government has directed all municipal corporations, including those of Mumbai and Thane, to set aside at least 1 per cent of their annual budget for road safety, traffic discipline, and awareness efforts. On Monday, a Government Resolution (GR) was issued asking civic bodies to make city roads, footpaths and crossings safer for citizens.
In 2023, mid-day, through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, obtained data regarding road accidents in Mumbai between 2013 and 2021. Accordingly to it, 4514 people — 3780 male and 734 female — died due to road accidents. Of these, 2326 or almost 51 per cent, were pedestrians.
The GR was issued following directives issued by the Supreme Court while hearing a petition related to road safety. The order categorically mentioned that all municipal corporations across the state will have to keep one per cent of the annual budget reserved for traffic safety and awareness.
Automatic escalation
According to the order, all corporations will have to ensure an online portal where citizens can report problems such as broken footpaths, encroachments or other pedestrian safety issues, and if complaints remain unresolved for 15 days, the system should be such that they should be automatically escalated to senior officials.
In fact, officials have been instructed to ensure that all footpaths are inspected every six months, and the audit report, along with the timebound repair plan, should be submitted to the urban development department. “Priority needs to be given to areas like transport hubs, colleges, and markets,” the GR stated.
The state government, in the order, emphasised that all pedestrian crossings must abide by national standards set by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). “Municipal corporations have been told to prepare an action plan to remove illegal structures and ensure footpaths and roads remain accessible and safe,” the order stated.
More responsibilities
Local bodies have been asked to maintain foot overbridges and subways, and to carry out regular checks regarding lighting, cleanliness, CCTV cameras, and LED lights. “Any defects must be fixed within three months. Contractors’ maintenance agreements must specifically include safety and accessibility clauses,” the GR added. Further, to prevent people from crossing roads dangerously, local bodies have been asked to install guard rails and dividers as per traffic-calming standards.
Other highlights
>> To create a special ‘Accessibility and Pedestrian Cell’ to plan, monitor, and maintain pedestrian facilities, and to handle public complaints
>> Every year, at least 20 per cent of the total road length in each city must be surveyed to check where new pedestrian crossings are needed, and fresh ones must be built accordingly
