Hyderabad footpaths key to cutting vehicle pollution
HYDERABAD: A Class 4 student from Hyderguda usually walks to school. After covering some distance, he recently found the road flooded with overflowing drainage water, leaving no space to step forward. He returned home and informed his father, who then dropped him at school on a two wheeler.
The incident underlines how proper footpaths can significantly reduce short two wheeler trips.
Vehicle pollution rising
Cities are choking due to pollution, with vehicle emissions posing the biggest threat, environmental experts said. The decline in public transport use and the steady rise in private vehicles are the main reasons.
Failure to expand public transport in line with population growth, along with poor first and last mile connectivity, has pushed commuters towards personal vehicles. Experts said that if pedestrian infrastructure is strengthened, public transport usage will rise sharply, leading to a reduction in vehicle pollution.
Public transport share must increase
According to the Lee Associates Comprehensive Mobility Plan report, public transport accounted for 42% of daily travel in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority limits in 2011. By 2025, this share dropped to 28%.
About 45% of commuters now use two-wheelers for daily needs, accounting for 69.2 lakh trips every day. Cars account for 16% of daily travel, generating 24.3 lakh trips.
The government aims to shift these commuters to public transport and increase its share to 70%.
Last-mile safety crucial
Many commuters prefer personal vehicles as walking to bus stops and metro rail stations is unsafe, officials said. Making these routes safer can significantly reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Global and Indian examples
Paris and Barcelona are among the safest cities for pedestrians. Their urban design allows residents to meet daily needs within walking distance, with a focus on 15-minute neighbourhoods.
The Telangana government has announced in its Vision 2047 document that it will focus on transit-oriented development-based transport infrastructure.
Singapore also prioritises footpaths, making walking not only convenient but safe.
In India, cities such as Chandigarh, Chennai, and Kolkata have given importance to pedestrian pathways in some areas.
