Hyderabad: Footpath Encroachments Put Pedestrians at Risk

Hyderabad: Hyderabad continues to face gaps in pedestrian infrastructure despite its rapid urban growth, with civic authorities now undertaking a drive to remove encroachments on roads and footpaths following directions from the High Court.

Key pedestrian facilities such as subways at RTC Crossroads and Koti Sultan Bazaar have been shut after flooding issues, with officials citing lack of proper connectivity.

At Banjara Hills Road No. 1, a skywalk near GVK Mall remains unused years after completion. A resident, Sree Nagi, said, “The skywalk was completed around seven to eight years ago but is still awaiting inauguration. Its fully enclosed design also poses a safety risk to pedestrians. The authorities appear to have focused on advertisement revenue without properly assessing public safety concerns.”

Residents in other parts of the city flagged the absence of basic pedestrian facilities. Sheeba, from Attapur, said, “There is a need for pelican crossings and zebra crossings in the area. As it is densely populated, skywalks are also required, but the government has failed to provide proper pedestrian facilities.”

Urban experts attributed the strain on infrastructure to rapid population growth over the past two decades, driven by migration for employment opportunities.

They suggested measures including continuous, encroachment-free footpaths in key areas such as the IT corridor, development of skywalks, enforcement of designated vending zones, and redesign of busy junctions.

Officials from the office of the Chief Town Planning Commissioner, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, said the ongoing encroachment removal drive is being carried out after a gap of several years.

“Civic authorities are removing encroachments from roads and footpaths in a robust manner after a gap of six to seven years.”

They said encroachments broadly fall into three categories — temporary vendors, shop extensions and permanent structures — with the latter two posing major challenges.

“There are three types of encroachments on roads and footpaths: temporary vendors, shops extending their outlets or materials onto public space, and permanent structures. The last two are the major concern.”

The department said cities globally and other Indian metros have adopted underground walkways and skywalks, and similar models could be considered, alongside greater public use of such infrastructure.