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Exploring India’s Top 10 Pedestrian-Only Streets
Every year, millions of people travel to India, a country known for its rich cultural legacy and diversified architecture. There is a wide network of streets, highways, and lanes throughout the nation, each with its own distinct charm and personality. Although many of these streets are designed with pedestrians in mind, very few of them are completely pedestrianised. However, the practise of establishing pedestrian-only zones is rising in popularity in many cities across the globe, and India is no exception.
The Indian government and local governments have been attempting to establish more pedestrian-friendly areas in order to follow the worldwide trend. This action aims to make urban areas safer and more accessible for people, in addition to promoting sustainable tourism. Another crucial component of India’s urban planning and smart city development is the conversion of streets into pedestrian-only areas.
Creating pedestrian-friendly zones is a vital step towards improving pedestrian safety in India. India is known to have one of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities in the world. According to a report by the World Health Organization, India accounts for over 12% of all road traffic deaths worldwide, with pedestrians and two-wheeler riders being the most vulnerable. Creating more pedestrian-friendly zones, therefore, not only promotes sustainable tourism but also improves the overall safety of pedestrians on Indian roads.
Here is a list of the top 10 completely pedestrian-friendly streets in India that offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city on foot:
1. M.G. Road, Pune
A successful example of pedestrianisation in India is M.G. Road in Pune. The street has changed significantly over the years, from being notorious for its heavy vehicular traffic and congestion. Today, the area is entirely pedestrian-friendly and vehicles are not permitted on the road.
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s initiative to develop more pedestrian-friendly areas in the city included the pedestrianisation of M.G. Road. The decision to forbid vehicular traffic on the road was first received with some opposition, but it has since grown in popularity and been a great success.
M.G. Road is currently a busy pedestrian thoroughfare lined with a wide variety of stores, eateries, and cafes, making it a popular attraction for tourists visiting Pune. The street has evolved into a focal point for festivals and cultural events, with a variety of events happening all year long.
The pedestrianisation of M.G. Road has improved both the pedestrian experience and the street’s aesthetic attractiveness. By making the environment for pedestrians safer, it has decreased the likelihood of car accidents. Additionally, it has lessened air pollution, improving the area’s environmental friendliness.
2. Church Street, Bangalore
Church Street, located in the Central Business District of Bengaluru, has always been a bustling area with a vibrant atmosphere. However, the street has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, becoming a completely pedestrianized zone with no vehicular traffic allowed. This initiative was part of the larger effort by the Indian government and local authorities to create more pedestrian-friendly zones in the country.
During the Church Street First pedestrianization initiative, which was led by the Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT) in association with IISc, Bengaluru, Catapult UK, and Urban Morph Bengaluru under the Clean Air Street Initiative, the street was closed for vehicular traffic every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to midnight between November 2020 and April 2021. This move has not only made the area safer for pedestrians but also contributed to reducing air pollution in the city.
Pedestrianization of Church Street is also a part of the larger urban planning strategy of creating smart cities in India. Smart cities are designed to be sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced, with a focus on improving the quality of life for citizens. By promoting sustainable mobility and reducing traffic congestion through pedestrianization, Bangalore has taken a step towards this goal. With its cobblestoned pavement, lush vegetation, and bustling shops, bars, and restaurants, Church Street is a prime example of how pedestrianization can transform a busy street into a vibrant and thriving pedestrian-friendly zone.
3. Mattancherry Bazaar Street in Ernakulam
The historic Mattancherry Bazaar in Ernakulam district offers a unique experience that combines the sights and smells of the market with a picturesque view of the lake on one side and a bustling road on the other. The market is over 500 years old and was once a hub for trade with nearly 52 countries. However, the market has since declined, and most of the warehouses have been converted into hotels and museums.
Bazaar Road in Kochi is now a pedestrian-only zone, which has made it a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors. This initiative is part of the larger urban planning strategy to create smart cities in India, which focuses on improving the quality of life for citizens by promoting sustainable mobility and reducing traffic congestion.
Government policies and initiatives have played a crucial role in the pedestrianization of Bazaar Road, and the local authorities received support from various stakeholders, including local businesses and residents. This initiative has not only improved pedestrian safety and reduced air pollution but also boosted the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area.
4. Hazratganj, Lucknow
Hazratganj, located in Lucknow, is a bustling shopping district and one of the oldest destinations in the city. In recent years, the local authorities have taken steps towards creating a pedestrian-friendly zone, making it a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors. The street has been transformed into a completely pedestrianized zone, with no vehicular traffic allowed. This has not only improved pedestrian safety but also contributed to reducing air pollution in the city.
The pedestrianization of Hazratganj is part of a larger urban planning strategy aimed at creating smart cities in India. Smart cities are designed to be sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced, with a focus on improving the quality of life for citizens. By creating a pedestrian-friendly zone in Hazratganj, Lucknow has taken a step towards this goal by promoting sustainable mobility and reducing traffic congestion.
In addition to enhancing pedestrian safety and reducing air pollution, the pedestrianization of Hazratganj has also had a positive impact on the cultural heritage of the city. Visitors can now explore the area’s rich history and culture while enjoying the local markets and shops. The project has successfully preserved the essence of Hazratganj while also embracing the modernity of a smart city.
5. Maharajbada, Gwalior
Maharajbada is a historical and cultural hub in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation has announced plans to transform the area into a pedestrian-friendly zone with the construction of a smart road and multilevel underground parking. The project also includes the installation of underground ducts to shift overhead power cables and the installation of street lamps for nighttime beauty.
The pedestrian zone will cover a 5-meter stretch of the road, with stones replacing the asphalt. Benches will be installed for pedestrians to sit, and vehicular access will be restricted to enhance pedestrian safety. This project is part of the larger urban planning strategy of creating smart cities in India, which focuses on making cities sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced, with a focus on improving the quality of life for citizens. The government has played a crucial role in the pedestrianization of Maharajbada, with the tender for the project being floated by the Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation. This initiative is expected to not only enhance the pedestrian experience but also boost the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area.
6. Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Chennai
Khader Nawaz Khan Road, located in Nungambakkam, Chennai, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The street is now entirely pedestrianized, with vehicular traffic banned completely. This decision has been taken to provide a safe and comfortable environment for pedestrians, as well as to encourage sustainable transport options.
Pedestrianization is a crucial component of urban planning, as it helps to create vibrant and livable urban spaces. By prioritizing pedestrian safety and comfort, cities can reduce congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions, while also promoting public health and wellbeing. Pedestrianized streets are also more accessible and inclusive, as they cater to people of all ages and abilities.
The pedestrianization of Khader Nawaz Khan Road is a significant step towards creating a smarter and more sustainable Chennai. The decision to pedestrianize the road was taken under the Singara Chennai 2.0 initiative, which aims to create a more livable and inclusive city. The initiative also focuses on improving public transport, promoting green spaces, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.
The pedestrianization of Khader Nawaz Khan Road is also a significant step towards improving pedestrian safety in Chennai. Pedestrian safety is a crucial issue in many Indian cities, where walking is often a hazardous activity. By creating pedestrian-friendly streets, cities can significantly reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. The officials responsible for the project have already begun planning for garbage disposal and parking to ensure that the project is executed smoothly.
7. Janpath, New Delhi
Janpath in New Delhi has become a prime example of successful pedestrianization. The street has been transformed into a lively and vibrant pedestrian zone, free from vehicular traffic. This has not only created a safer environment for pedestrians but has also improved the overall urban landscape of the area.
Pedestrianization is a crucial aspect of urban planning, which prioritizes the safety and convenience of pedestrians over vehicular traffic. By creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, cities can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote sustainable transportation. In addition, pedestrianization can also help to create more vibrant and inclusive public spaces, where people can come together and engage in community activities.
Janpath’s transformation into a pedestrian zone is part of the Indian government’s Smart City initiative, which aims to develop sustainable and technologically advanced cities. The Smart City program has identified pedestrianization as one of the key strategies for creating safe and livable urban environments.
8. MG Marg, Gangtok
MG Marg, located in Gangtok, has recently undergone a significant transformation by becoming completely pedestrianised. This has made MG Marg the most important commercial hub of Gangtok, where most of the shops in the city are located. The variety of shops in MG Marg ranges from beauty parlors, tailors, hardware stores, liquor stores, bars and restaurants, hotels and all types of shops.
This pedestrianisation of MG Marg has had several benefits for the city. Firstly, it has improved pedestrian safety in the area by removing vehicular traffic and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Secondly, it has had a positive impact on the local economy by increasing foot traffic and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the area. It has also had a positive impact on the environment by reducing pollution levels in the area.
However, the continuity of the pedestrian stream comes to an abrupt halt at the end of MG Marg, where there is no designated area for pedestrians. To address this issue, the footpath at Namnang becomes an essential link that connects pedestrians coming from Zero point and bifurcating to MG Marg to meet the National Highway again via MG Marg, New Market, and Namnang, ending at Deorali. In this way, the continuity of the pedestrian path is retained, creating a continuous circuit starting at Metro Point, through MG Marg, New Market, Namnang and down to Deorali, and coming up along the National Highway to Metro Point again.
9. Mall Road, Shimla
Mall Road in Shimla is a popular street that has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The street has been entirely pedestrianized, and vehicular traffic is entirely banned. The pedestrianization of Mall Road has created a more pleasant and safe environment for visitors and locals alike. The street is famous for its colonial architecture, shops, and restaurants, and visitors can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
It is essential to note that Shimla is a highly pedestrianized town, with only 25% of houses connected to motorized roads. The local government’s efforts to pedestrianize Mall Road further consolidate this advantage and reinforce it with positive decisions. The addition of trees and seating could further enhance the current streetscape and create a more pleasant and welcoming environment.
10. Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Chandni Chowk, located in Old Delhi, is a historically significant and culturally rich area that has undergone a recent transformation with the pedestrianisation and rejuvenation of its nearly 1.4-km stretch from the Red Fort area to Fatehpuri Masjid. This project was initiated by the Shahjehanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) and has been received positively by historians and heritage experts who appreciate the efforts to preserve the area’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The pedestrianisation of the area has created a non-motorised vehicle zone from 9 AM to 9 PM, allowing visitors to explore the area on foot and enjoy the iconic landmarks, old buildings, and delicious street food that the Walled City is famous for. The project has used red sandstones to carve out benches and other decorative elements, complementing the aesthetic look of the 17th-century Mughal-era fort. The period-styled street furniture adds to the cultural ethos of the area.
To enforce the restrictions on vehicular traffic during the restricted hours, the traffic police have been sending notices online to motorists who violate the rules. However, some vehicles still ignore the restrictions, leading to the installation of automatic number plate recognition cameras for booking violators.
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