Indian streets, often chaotic and poorly planned, have long been a subject of public debate. The design of these streets, particularly the pavements, can significantly affect the quality of life in cities. In a recent post on the social media platform X, Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra, took to social media to advocate for a holistic approach to urban street design, with a special emphasis on pavements.
Pavements: A Key Element in Urban Safety and Well-being
In his post, Mahindra shared a series of images of Indian streets, pointing out the importance of pavements as essential elements that contribute not just to the physical safety of pedestrians but also to their mental well-being. Mahindra, who is known for his focus on urban issues and sustainability, wrote, "Forget the PR, it’s all about the quality of life of citizens. Streets like these add not just to physical safety but to mental well-being. The most important design element of all these streets are the pavements. The pavements belong to the people & they truly signal what importance a city gives to its citizens."
Mahindra’s message calls for a shift in how cities approach urban planning, suggesting that municipalities across India should prioritize the aesthetic and functional design of pavements to create more welcoming and safe public spaces. As he notes, the state of urban infrastructure directly influences the lives of citizens, especially in dense urban centers.
See tweet here: https://x.com/gemsofbabus_/status/1896171812079411706
Public Reaction: Positive and Critical Views
Mahindra’s post has sparked a conversation among Indian social media users, with many expressing their support and highlighting the relevance of his message. Some users praised cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Indore, which have made significant strides in improving urban infrastructure and creating pedestrian-friendly environments.
One user shared, “Beautiful streets with well-designed pavements aren’t just about aesthetics—they boost safety, mental well-being, and quality of life for citizens. Cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Indore are leading the way. Every Indian municipality should prioritize holistic urban design.”
However, not all reactions were positive. Some users criticized the state of urban planning in their cities. A user lamented the poor quality of roads and infrastructure, writing, “Our infrastructure in the city is a joke. The money wasted in repairing poor quality roads again and again is truly preposterous.” This comment highlights a common complaint in many Indian cities, where poorly maintained roads and neglected pedestrian spaces continue to pose challenges to safety and urban mobility.
Others pointed out the limitations of current urban infrastructure, suggesting that the rapid expansion of cities often leads to unsustainable growth. One user noted, “Every infrastructure has a saturation limit. Over capacity kills the system. Urban India is running on 10x capacity. India needs more urban centers to have sustainable growth. Sadly, hollow promises of Smart Cities didn’t materialize in the past decade.”
Pavements and Public Space: A Shared Resource for All
Beyond the debate on aesthetics and infrastructure, one crucial point raised by several users was the role of pavements as shared public spaces. Streets and sidewalks are spaces that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, uses daily. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, where roadways often dominate, pavements are frequently reduced to mere afterthoughts. Narrow, poorly constructed pavements with obstacles such as open drains or street vendors make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate safely.
"It's so true that well-designed streets and pavements are about so much more than just getting from point A to point B. Pavements are truly the public space that everyone shares. They should be welcoming, safe, and accessible to all," commented one social media user, echoing Mahindra’s sentiments. Accessible pavements are not just for pedestrians; they are a reflection of how much value a city places on its citizens, especially those who rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation.
The Urgency of Better Urban Planning in India
As India continues to urbanize at an unprecedented rate, the pressure on infrastructure and public spaces only increases. According to a report from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, road accidents in India have reached alarming levels. In 2022, nearly 462 people died every day in road accidents, totaling approximately 1.68 lakh deaths. The report highlights a significant number of accidents occurring on poorly designed roads and streets, where pedestrian safety is compromised.
In light of this data, Mahindra’s call for better street designs becomes even more urgent. The rise in road accidents is not just a result of reckless driving but also reflects the absence of basic infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrian safety. This includes wider pavements, proper crossings, and safer, more pedestrian-friendly road layouts.
Lessons from Other Cities
Looking globally, many cities around the world have already begun implementing policies to improve the design of streets, with a focus on pedestrian safety and mental well-being. Cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Tokyo have shown that when urban design prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, there are measurable improvements in both safety and quality of life. Their holistic approach to street design integrates aesthetic beauty with functionality, creating environments where people feel safe, relaxed, and connected to their communities.
In India, there are already some positive examples of cities adopting more pedestrian-friendly designs. Cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Indore have made strides in implementing wider pavements, pedestrian zones, and better street lighting. However, there is still much work to be done, especially in smaller towns and urban sprawls, where roads remain a secondary concern.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
Anand Mahindra’s plea for better urban planning through holistic street design is more than just a suggestion; it is a call to action for municipalities across India. The quality of life in cities depends on well-designed streets and pavements that ensure safety, accessibility, and mental well-being. To reduce road accidents and improve the overall livability of Indian cities, urban planners and policymakers must take a more serious approach to pedestrian safety and public space design.
Pavements, in particular, should no longer be an afterthought. As Mahindra rightly pointed out, they are public spaces that belong to the people, and their design sends a powerful message about how much a city values its citizens. The future of Indian cities depends on creating urban spaces that prioritize people over cars and ensure that everyone, regardless of their means, has access to safe, beautiful, and functional streets.
