The Supreme Court of India recognized the 'right to walk' as part of the fundamental right to life on June 19, emphasizing the need for safer pedestrian infrastructure in urban areas. This ruling highlights the lack of attention given to pedestrian needs in Indian cities, despite walking being the most common mode of transport. Urban development has traditionally focused on highways, flyovers, and metro corridors, leaving pavements, crossings, and other essential street elements underdeveloped or neglected. As a result, Indian cities have prioritized vehicle movement over creating functional, safe streets that support daily urban life. The article critiques the fragmented responsibility for street maintenance across multiple agencies, leading to poorly planned and unusable public spaces.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Supreme Court's ruling and discusses the implications for urban planning in India without overtly favoring any political side. It focuses on systemic issues in infrastructure planning rather than attributing blame to specific parties or ideologies. The tone is analytical and





