Government declines to commit to new pedestrian safety law in Parliament

The question asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to state whether the government has noted the Supreme Court's recognition of the right to walk, if it plans to enact laws for safe footpaths, and to provide details on pedestrian infrastructure, financial assistance, and fatality statistics on National Highways.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Manish Tewari and Smt. Sajda Ahmed; Answered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Minister Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari).

What the government said

• The government regulates motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act and is responsible for National Highways (NHs).
• State Governments are empowered under Section 138 of the Motor Vehicles Act to make rules for pedestrian access and prohibit motor vehicle use on footpaths.
• Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines IRC:103-2022 'Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities' are published and entail 'universal accessibility'.
• Pedestrian infrastructure (underpasses, foot-over bridges, crossings, footpaths) is provided on NHs as part of improvement works or stand-alone projects based on site requirements and audits.
• Regular safety audits are conducted on NHs at design, construction, and pre-opening stages.
• The government provides budgetary support for NH projects, including pedestrian infrastructure components.

Also in the document

• The answer does not explicitly state whether the government proposes to enact a new Central Law or amend the Motor Vehicles Act, as requested in part (b) of the question; it instead cites existing State Government powers under the current Act.
• The answer does not provide specific figures for the total length of footpaths, number of pedestrian crossings, or foot overbridges, as requested in part (d); it only states that these are provided based on site requirements.
• The answer does not provide State/UT-wise details of financial assistance provided for pedestrian infrastructure, as requested in part (e); it only states that budgetary support is provided for NH projects.
• The annexure for pedestrian fatalities on National Highways shows a total of 11,386 fatalities in 2024, compared to 9,467 in 2020.