What happened: Government-linked push for walkable urban streets

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, in a Rajya Sabha written reply, stated that safe pedestrian infrastructure and walkable mobility depend on a mix of constitutional responsibilities and Central Government support through policy guidance and schemes. The Ministry connected pedestrian footpaths and walkability to urban transport planning frameworks and to ongoing mission-based investments for non-motorized transport, last-mile connectivity, and public transport access.

Constitutional and institutional background: who builds and maintains roads and footpaths

Under the Constitution of India’s Twelfth Schedule (Schedule XII), construction and maintenance of municipal roads, bridges, and associated pedestrian footpaths fall under the domain of State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and Urban Development Authorities (UDAs). The Central Government’s role is primarily to supplement States/UTs/ULBs with model regulations, technical standards, guidelines, and advisories.

Background and earlier position: transport policy and planning guidance for people-centric mobility

The Ministry pointed to national policy frameworks that guide States/UTs/ULBs in planning, developing, and managing urban transport systems. These include:

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