Will Amaravati prioritize its pedestrians?
Amaravati was conceived as a modern, sustainable city—a showcase for what urban India could aspire to. Yet, like so many cities across the country, its success hinges on one often-overlooked detail: how easy and pleasant it is to walk.
The average Indian city is a pedestrian’s nightmare. Footpaths are either absent or encroached upon by vendors, parked vehicles, or piles of debris. Where they do exist, they are often poorly designed, narrow, and riddled with hazards. To walk in a city like Mumbai or Bengaluru is to weave through a minefield of obstacles while dodging speeding cars.
In Amaravati, we have the chance to do things differently.
The problem begins with how cities are built in India—always prioritizing cars. Roads are widened, flyovers constructed, and footpaths sacrificed, all in the name of easing congestion. But the paradox of urban planning is that building for cars only invites more of them.
Walking is not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about the experience of the city itself. Imagine Amaravati as a place where shaded pedestrian pathways meander through parks and plazas, where the simple act of walking feels like leisure rather than survival.
Yet, even in cities with aspirations of walkability, the reality falls short. Footpaths are treated as leftover spaces, not essential infrastructure. When space is scarce, it’s the pedestrian who is expected to compromise. But should they?
In a country where over half the urban population relies on walking, the absence of safe, navigable paths is not just an inconvenience—it’s a failure of priorities.
What Amaravati needs is a system of pedestrian-first streets, with wide walkways, clear signage, and thoughtful integration with public transit. Walking should feel intuitive, a natural choice, not a risky one.
There’s also a question of accessibility. India’s streets often forget those who move differently—people with disabilities, the elderly, parents pushing strollers. A truly walkable Amaravati would embrace universal design, making sidewalks usable for all.
The benefits of walkability extend far beyond convenience. Studies from Chennai have shown that improving pedestrian infrastructure reduces pollution, boosts local businesses, and encourages healthier lifestyles. Cities thrive when people can walk them.
But it’s not just about building footpaths. It’s about protecting them. Encroachments are often a response to deeper systemic issues—hawkers and street vendors need designated spaces, not displacement. Parking spaces should not spill onto walkways.
We’ve seen this work in small pockets. Streets in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi have experimented with pedestrian zones and improved sidewalks. The results are telling: more people walk, traffic eases, and the city feels more human.
For Amaravati, the stakes are high. A walkable city is not a luxury. It’s the foundation of a vibrant, functional urban life.
