IndiaFollowing the Supreme Court's recent ruling that recognizes walking as a fundamental right, the article argues that Indian cities must shift their focus from merely widening existing roads to developing comprehensive, hierarchical road networks. It explains that traffic congestion stems not only from narrow roads but from poor connectivity between arterial, primary, secondary, and local streets, which forces traffic onto limited corridors. The piece cites data from WRI India showing that cities like Ahmedabad and Delhi maintain higher peak-hour speeds due to well-connected networks, whereas Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune suffer from concentrated traffic flow. To address this, the author advocates for long-term master planning over short-term projects, noting that land acquisition is a significant barrier that requires strategic foresight. Ultimately, the text posits that efficient road hierarchies are essential for supporting public transport systems and ensuring safe pedestrian access.
Bias read (Center): The article adopts a technical, policy-oriented tone focusing on urban planning principles and citing specific institutional data rather than using partisan rhetoric or taking a clear ideological stance on governance models.
