Exploring the current condition of footpaths: a case of Pune

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Exploring the current condition of footpaths: a case of Pune

Meghana

Malve1 , Monika Sharma2

1,2 Assistant Professor, College of Architecture, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India ***

Abstract - Footpaths are one of the essential infrastructures for mobility but nowadays they are in a dilapidated condition. Walking on footpaths tests our patience and tolerance. It is a zero investment exercise associated with multiple health benefits. The easiest way to remain fit and active is by walking which is an environment friendly and sustainable mode of transport. Pedestrians have to put their lives in danger while walking on footpaths. If footpaths are not properly designed then people do not feel like using them and so they remain underutilized for the purpose they are designed but are encroached by other activities. It is seen that footpaths are given the least priority in the design of roads. People do not feel safe and comfortable while using them. For pedestrians the footpath has gone from bad to worse. There are a lot of obstructions for pedestrians to walk on the footpaths. These obstructions can be due to hawkers', encroachments, parking of vehicles, uneven surface and many more. This research paper gives the current conditionoffootpaths andthebarriers to walking on them in three different places in Pune where they are of the utmost importance for pedestrians. The existing footpaths were observed to study the condition on various parameters. A qualitative approach was followed through visual observations and photo documentation for the study.

Key Words: encroachments, footpaths, pedestrians, Pune, walking

1. INTRODUCTION

Footpathisadedicatedspaceprovidedalongthestreettobe usedbypedestriansonlyforuninterruptedwalking. It is an integral part of any road system (Ahmed&Islam,2020)and isademarcatedareasothatpeoplecaneasilywalkonthem comfortably without being hurt by the regular traffic that moves on the roads. The footpath should be easily and conveniently accessible and inclusive for all. For walking, footpathsarethebasicrequirements.Walkingonfootpaths isafundamentalrightofeveryindividual.

Walking is a simple, universally accepted and the most popularformofexercise. It is a fitness activity that does not require any special equipment or training (Baobeid,Koc,&AlGhamdi,2021)whichhasanumberofbenefitswhichinclude strengthofbones,increaseincardiovascularfitness,burning calories,boostingenergy,helpingtobuildstaminaandmany more.Itisanactivitywhichcanbeperformedbypeopleof allagegroupsasitiscostfreeandeasilyavailable. Walking is an accessible, affordable (Bharucha, 2017) and a

sustainable,eco-friendlymodeoftransportwhichdoesnot require any fuel or maintenance. It helps reduce traffic congestion, noise pollution due to honking of vehicles, air pollutionandisanimportantmodeoftransportwithoutthe needofanyexternalresources. Walking whencomparedwith other means of travel has advantages ofbeinganenvironment friendly option to move from one place to another may it be for shopping, recreation, work, exercise, etc. (Iravani, Sohrabi,Gheitarani,&Dehghan,2024).

Thefootpathsmanytimesarenotpedestrianfriendlydueto anumberofreasons. Walkingonfootpathsislikeadodging activityandanadventuresport. Pedestriansarenotgiven anyattention eventhough theyarethereal ownersofthe footpaths.Theyalwayshavetorisktheirlivesastheyhave tousetheroadsbecausethefootpathsatmanyplacesare full of obstructions in some way or the other. Pedestrian facilities are not proper in place so people have to usetheroad making them highly vulnerable road users (BANERJEE & MAURYA,2019). Inmanyplacesfootpathsjustdonotexist. This research paper explores the current condition of footpathsalongwiththebarriersthattheyposewhileusing them.

2. ABOUT FOOTPATHS

Footpathsarea vital andintegralcomponentofanystreet thatshouldessentiallyserveasadedicatedspaceexclusively forpedestriansandshouldbeprovidedonbothsidesofthe roadforsafeandeasyflowofthepeoplewhowalkonthem. Footpaths are an essential element of the urban environment and are an indispensable mode of transport built by local government authorities for pedestrian movement (Mitraa, Debbarma,&Roy,2020).Theyarenotjustlinearpassagesto travelfromoneendtotheotherbuttheyarealsoplacesfor people to create a sense of bonding, interaction and are crucial public spaces that define the character of streets. Therearelotsofpeoplewhousefootpathsduringtheirdaily commuteforshortorlongdistances.Footpathseparatesthe pedestriantrafficfromthevehiculartraffic(Bohara&Tiwari, 2022).

In the current scenario, footpaths test the patience of the users while using them. People have to face a number of hurdlesthatcomeintheway.Thissometimesissoirritating and frustrating that peopleprefer to walk on roads rather than on the footpaths. By doing this the risk of accidents becomes more astheycome in the way of the fast moving vehiculartrafficonroad.Manytimespedestriansareexposed

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

to injuries and fatalities due to the dilapidated and encroachedfootpaths.

3. STUDY AREAS

For the study, footpaths of 3 important streets from Pune weretakenupandanalyzedforadistanceof1kmonboth sidesofallthe3streets.Thefootpathswerestudiedtoknow theexistingconditionregardingvariousparameters.

1. Laxmi road - It was established by the Peshwas during theirregime.ItliesinthecentralpartofPune,withintheold corecityareaofPuneandistheoldestonestartingatAlka TalkieschowkintheeastandendingatQuarterGatesquare inthewest.

2.MahatmaGandhiroad-Itcameintoexistenceduringthe British colonial period. It lies in the camp area which is located on the eastern part of Pune. MG Road starts from Pulgate and ends at Ambedkar statue chowk near Aurora towersinCamp.

3.Fergussoncollegeroad-AsPunestartedtoexpandacross the Mutha river towards the west Fergusson college road emerged.Itliesinthewesternpartof Pune,intheDeccan areawhichstartsatDeccancornerandendsatAgriculture College.

4. STREET CHARACTERISTICS

4.1 Laxmi road

The road has been a main shopping destination and the oldest in Pune since ages. It is one of the important and busiestroadsinPune.Eveniftherearelotsofmallscoming up in Pune, then also people do prefer Laxmi road for shoppingonitsbustlingstreets. Itisamajortradingareain theheartofthecityhavingshops,officesandresidences.The placeisa hubtoshopa varietyof traditional wear,shoes, jewelleryandmanyothers.Thefootpathsareusedbypeople forshoppingorcommutingfromthatarea.OnLaxmiroad the pedestrian count is high as it being one of the main commercialroadsinthecoreareaofPune.

4.2

Theroadoffersadiverserangeofshopping.Itisashopper’s paradisemainlyfortheyouthasitoffersavarietyofgoods rangingfromwesternwearclothes,fabrics,eateries,shoes, jewellery, fashion accessories, shops of local and internationalbrandsandmanymore.Itisalsoaparadisefor foodiesasithaseateriesrangingfrombakeries,chinese,fast food, sweet shops and what not. The street shopping is affordable and fashionable. It is a vibrant and diverse shoppingstreet.

Thisroadisanothershoppingareaforyoungsters. Ithasa number of food outlets with a wide variety of shopping options for western outfits, jewellery, footwear, mobile accessories, books, etc. It is one of the liveliest areas for shopping. Trendy footwear and latest designs are found here.Itattractslargeyouthcrowdseverydayasthefamous FC college is on this road along with other educational institutionsinitsproximity.Forshoppingandeatingitisa goodandaffordableplaceasithassomeage-oldrestaurants coupledwithotherfastfoodoutlets

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

5. PARAMETERS

Visualobservationsandphotodocumentationwasdoneto studytheexistingscenariooffootpathsacrosstheselected urbanstreets.Thestudyassessedvariousparameterslike encroachment,surfacecondition,levels,parking,universal accessibility,etc.Itisseenthatfootpathsarenolongersolely committedforpedestrianusage;insteadtheyareusedfora numberofotherpurposes.Footpathsarespacessharedby the pedestrians with the hawkers, beggars, parking and publicamenities.

Thestudyfocusedonthefollowingkeyparametersandtheir respectivesub-parameters:

Encroachment parameter - Hawkers, eateries, extended shops

Vehiclesparameter-Parkingofvehiclesalongwithdriving onfootpaths.

Physical parameter - Presence of footpaths, tiles, uneven surfaces,width,levels,dustbins,bollards,streetfurniture, toilets,electricityboxes

Universalaccessibleparameter–Provisionoframps,tactile paving,guardrails

6. OBSERVATIONS

6.1 Encroachment parameter

Undertheencroachmentparameter,itwasobservedthata significant portion of the footpath is occupied by illegal hawkers,vendorsandshopkeepers,leavingminimalorno spaceforpedestrianmovement.Theabsenceofdesignated vending zones has led to unregulated occupation of footpaths,wherevendorssetupstallsandattractcrowdsof buyers, further obstructing the pathway. In several instances,eaterieshaveextendedtheiroperationsontothe footpathsbyplacingcookingunitsorseatingarrangements, resultinginbothobstructionandunhygienicconditions.

Pedestrians are often forced to step onto the main road, making them vulnerable to accidents thus reducing the overall safety. Additionally, some shopkeepers have encroacheduponthefootpathbydisplayinggoodsandsemipermanentstructuresoutsidetheirstores,especiallyonMG RoadandLaxmiRoad,wheretheextentofencroachmentis significantly higher compared to FC Road. Although encroachment by eateries was found to be relatively low acrossallthreeroads,thecumulativeimpactofhawkersand extended shop fronts poses a major challenge to footpath usabilityandurbanwalkability.

6.2 Vehicles parameter

Undertheparkingparameter,itwasseenthatfootpathsare frequently misused for parking. At some places on all 3 streets it was seen that the parked two wheelers often occupy some portion of the footpath, leaving insufficient roomforpedestriansandcompellingthemto walk onthe road, which forces them to come in the way of the fast movingtraffictherebycontributingtotrafficcongestion.In manycases,evenwhenfour-wheelersareparkedalongthe roadside,aportionofthevehicleextendsontothefootpath, significantly reducing the usable walking space. Improper and haphazard parking practices not only obstruct pedestrianmovementbutalsocreatea hostileandunsafe environment.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Dust bins partially yes less

Bollards Yes yes no

Uneven surface partially less partially

Street furniture No yes no

Toilets No yes no

Source-Author

6.3 Physical parameter

Under the physical parameter it was seen that in many sections,tilesandpaverblockswerefoundtobedamaged, missingorunevenlylaidmakingwalkinguncomfortableand hazardous particularly for senior citizens, children and personswithdisabilities.AnotablehighlightofFCRoadis thepresenceofsupportiveinfrastructurethatenhancesboth utilityandaesthetics.Inadditiontoawell-definedfootpath, thereisadedicatedcyclingtrackanduninterruptedtactile paving, promoting multimodal and inclusive use. Public toiletsarealsoavailableonFCRoad,whilesuchamenities arelackingonMGRoadandLaxmiRoad.Further,adistinct belt of planters and strategically placed street furniture contributedtothestreet’svisualappealandwalkability.

In contrast, MG Road and Laxmi Road lack these features. Theirinfrastructureiseitheroutdatedorpoorlymaintained, resulting in a compromised pedestrian experience. Moreover,manholecoversatsomeplacesonallthreeroads are often misaligned, creating trip hazards and electricity boxeswereusedtodisplaystuffbythehawkersonMGroad andLaxmiroad.

Electricity Boxes available and use for display no available andusefor display

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Source–Author

6.4 Universal accessibility parameter

Universalaccessibilityisacrucialaspectoffootpaths.This parameteris partiallyabsenton thefootpaths ofMG road andLaxmiroad.OnlyonFCroadthefootpathswidthisable to accommodate a wheelchair user. There were tactile paversonfootpathsofLaxmiroadandFCroadonlybutthey were occupied by hawkers on some stretches. Ramp provisioniscompletelyabsentonMGRoad,inconsistently implemented on Laxmi Road and comprehensively integrated along FC Road, making the latter the most accessibleofthethree.

Moreover,stepsleadingtothefootpathsonMGroadwere often lacking proper tiling and accessible ramps, posing seriouschallengestouniversalaccessibility.

Main parameter Sub parameter s Laxmi road FC road Mahatma Gandhi road

7. CONCLUSIONS

The study carried out has highlighted the current state of footpathswiththebarriersassociatedwithitforwalkingin Pune where they are very necessary. There are different types of obstructions on footpaths that post danger and inconveniencewhilewalkingonthem.Fromthestudyitis seen that encroachment by hawkers and vendors on the footpathsisthemajorobstruction.Footpathsarelosingtheir existence and are turning into new market places causing significant challenges to pedestrian safety and comfort whichhampersthemovementofpeopleonthemleavingno spaceforthem.Thismisuseofspaceseverelyundermines thebasicfunctionoffootpathsassafepedestrianzones.The absenceofdesignatedvendingzoneshasledtounregulated occupation of footpaths, where vendors set up stalls and attractcrowdsofbuyers,furtherobstructingthepathway.

Thefootpathsdonothavealevelledsurfaceandarenotwell maintainedatsomestretchesandhavesunken,misaligned slabsornoslabsmakingitdifficulttowalkonthem.Tactile pavingisinstalledonfootpaths,butitoftenfailstoserveits intendedpurposeasthehawkerssetuptheirstallsonthem. At a few places the bus stops are on the footpaths thus reducingitswidth.

Source-Author

Amongthefootpathssurveyedonthe3streetsitisseenthat only the footpath on FC road is pedestrian friendly and encroachment free to a certain extent in contrast to the footpathsontheothertworoads.FCroadisdesignedunder thePunesmartcityproject.Itservesasahangoutspacefor peopleastherearesomesittingspacesprovidedalongwith wide footpaths which is inviting for people to walk and enjoy.

Walkingonfootpathswithoutanyhindranceisabasicright ofthepedestrianswhichhasnowbecomeadangerousaffair andisneverabarrierfreewalkforthepedestrian.Theuseof footpathsforwalkingshouldalwaysbeanexperiencewhich is without any hindrance for anyone who uses it. The footpathsmanytimessignificantlycompromisetheirbasic and important function of providing safe and accessible pedestrianmovementwithoutanybarriers.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Torestorefootpaths forthe purposetheyareconstructed some actions need to be taken. Illegal vendors must be punishedandanexorbitantfinemust bechargedtothem. Regular maintenance, strong policyenforcement andstrategic planning are essential (Bohara & Tiwari, 2022) Encroachments must be removed, vendors to be given a designated area and inclusive design considerations to be implementedforelderlyindividuals,childrenandpersons withdisabilitiesalike. Justbyprovidingproperfacilitieslike creatingspaceforpedestriansdoesnotendthematterbut there must be proper maintenance and inspection of the amenitieswhichistheresponsibilityoftheauthorities.The concerned authorities should now give heed to the pedestriansandtheirveryownspacetowalk. The types of barriers are different soaccordinglystrategies toremovethem should be planned based on their favourable outcomes (Advani,Paridab,&Parida,2016).

Footpaths are public spaces and not anyone's private property.It is the pedestrianright tohave a safefootpath free of any encroachments. Pedestrians are the primary usersoffootpaths,butthenalsotheyareoftengivenleast priorityinurbandesignandplanning.Itisanironythatthe most sustainable mode of transportation is the most neglected one. There is acute apathy towards pedestrian rightsandtowardsmaintainingandprotectingfootpathsas shared public infrastructure. Due to obstructions, poor maintenance and encroachments, footpaths have become unsafe and so remain underutilized for the purpose they shouldbe.Pedestriantrafficshouldbegivenpriorityover vehicular traffic. The right to walk safely and comfortably shouldbenon-negotiable. It is seen that the most sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transport is ignored at large (Sudhir &Kumar).Authoritiesshouldgivethepedestrianstheirlegal spacetowalk.Roadsareprovidedforvehiclestobedriven onthemandfootpathsareprovidedforpeopletowalkon themshouldbekeptinmind. The footpaths areconsidered as part of the road but not an essential one when compared with the vehicular requirements (Gokhale & Telang, 2013). Footpaths are often overlooked, ignored and given least priorityinurbandesignandplanning,eventhoughtheyplay a crucial role in shaping the city. The footpaths should be given importance in the planning stage and not be considered as just a part of road furniture and add it as an afterthought. Streets to be places both for vehicular as well as for pedestrian traffic (Gokhale&Telang,2013)

This analysis underscores the need for improved maintenance and people-centric planning free from obstructions, encroachments,etc.tomakefootpaths more inclusive,safeandfunctionalforthepurposetheyarebuilt. The footpaths must not lose their primary purpose and character.

REFERENCES

Advani,M.,Paridab,P.,&Parida,M.(2016).Methodologyfor Evaluating Walking Facilities Based Types of

ObstructionsObservedonFootpathofIndianRoads. ELSEVIER,5282-5290.

Ahmed, M. T., & Islam, M. R. (2020). QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE ROADSIDE WALKWAY ENVIRONMENT FOR AN INDUSTRIALIZED ZONE: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMPLE OF GAZIPUR CITY CORPORATION, BANGLADESH. 5th International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering. Chattogram,Bangladesh.

BANERJEE, A., & MAURYA, A. (2019). Impact of Land Use Type over Pedestrian Flow Characteristics for SkywalkFacilitiesinMumbai,India. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, 1134-1149.

Baobeid,A.,Koc,M.,&Al-Ghamdi,S.G.(2021).Walkability and Its Relationships With Health, Sustainability, and Livability:Elements of Physical Environment and Evaluation Frameworks. Frontiers in Built Environment,1-17.

Bharucha, J. (2017). An investigation into the walkability probleminIndiancities. SAFER COMMUNITIES,7786.

Bohara,A.,&Tiwari,H.(2022).AssessmentofPedestrians' Infrastructures and Facilities at Birendranagar Muncipality: A Case of Mangalgadi to Birendrachowk. International Conference on Engineering & Technology (pp.162-165).Lalitpur, Nepal:KantipurEngineeringCollege.

Gokhale,M.V.,&Telang,M.V.(2013).NeedforQualitative EvaluationModelforExistingSidewalksofRoadsin Indian Cities. INDIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH,1-4.

Iravani, S. N., Sohrabi, S. A., Gheitarani, N., & Dehghan, S. (2024). Providing a Pattern and Planning Method forFootpathsandSidewalkstoProtectDeteriorated and Vulnerable Urban Contexts. European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences,1-20.

Mitra, S., Debbarma, D., & Roy, S. (2020). Determinants of Urban Footpaths and Impact on Quality and Mobility Mapping: A Study in Agartala City. Geographical Review of India,348-367.

Sudhir,&Kumar,S.(n.d.).PedestriansatCrossroads:ACase StudyofBangalore.1-8.

BIOGRAPHIES

Meghana Malve is an Assistant Professor at College of Architecture,BharatiVidyapeeth(DeemedtobeUniversity), Pune. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Master’sdegreeinEnvironmentalArchitecture.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Monika Sharma is an Assistant Professor at College of Architecture,BharatiVidyapeeth(DeemedtobeUniversity), Pune. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Master’sdegreeinUrbanandRuralPlanning.

© 2025, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page1734