The Supreme Court of India has ruled that walking on designated footpaths is a fundamental right, sparking hope for improved road safety.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, pedestrians accounted for 36,526 fatalities in 2024, making them the second most vulnerable category of road users.
The court's order includes directions to improve pedestrian safety, such as mandatory compliance with Indian Road Congress standards and retrofitting crossings in high-risk cities.
Experts welcome the ruling but stress the need for stronger enforcement and accountability to prevent pedestrian deaths, which rose 3.7% from 2023.
The risk for pedestrians is higher in cities with a population of over a million, with those aged 45-60 being the most vulnerable.
