India
Odisha draft rules make footpaths mandatory on new roads
The Hindu··15h ago
Odisha issued draft Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026, requiring pedestrian paths on new roads and upgraded existing ones. Continuous footpaths are proposed on both sides of urban arterial roads and along high-footfall corridors when site conditions allow. Vehicles may not block footpaths except where marked. Faulty design linked to pedestrian deaths can draw Motor Vehicles Act penalties and audits.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Drivers who park or repair vehicles on footpaths face penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- School zones, hospital zones and bus stops are among priority areas for connected walking networks.
- Footpaths cannot be omitted from project reports unless reasons are recorded and approved in writing.
What's Happening
- The Mohan Majhi government released the draft rules for public consultation.
- Violators may face towing under sections 177, 201 and 210B of the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Implementing agencies must audit pedestrian infrastructure on roads they control.
What the draft pedestrian rules cover
- Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act allows action when design failure contributes to pedestrian death.
- Priority also covers markets, transit terminals and areas with pedestrian deaths in the prior two to three years.
- Rules integrate footpaths with crossings, bus stops and adjoining land uses.
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