The Delhi government has announced the construction of 21 new foot overbridges (FOBs) across key locations in the city.
The initiative comes as part of a larger strategy to enhance walkability, reduce pedestrian fatalities, and enable safer, more inclusive urban mobility in one of India’s busiest metropolitan centres. Delhi, which consistently records one of the highest numbers of road accidents involving pedestrians, has faced long-standing challenges in ensuring street-level safety and accessibility. In response, the city’s Public Works Department (PWD) has finalised the rollout of these new elevated walkways after conducting detailed assessments of accident-prone zones and high-footfall intersections.
According to senior officials, the 21 proposed FOBs will be strategically located near schools, hospitals, major intersections, and market hubs—areas where pedestrian movement is high and risk of accidents remains significant. The project aims not only to address urban road safety but also to promote eco-friendly, non-motorised modes of commute as part of Delhi’s broader sustainability goals. Delhi’s pedestrian infrastructure has long lagged behind its vehicular counterparts, often pushing citizens to navigate hostile traffic conditions, especially women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. With this push for elevated crossings, the government hopes to transform the pedestrian experience from one of survival to dignity, convenience, and safety.
The design approach for the new bridges is also receiving attention. Emphasis is being laid on universal accessibility, with escalators and ramps being planned to ensure use by people with limited mobility. Moreover, to ensure these facilities are actually used—unlike several FOBs in the past that remained under-utilised—authorities are considering integrating elements of urban design such as better lighting, green covers, and commercial kiosks that make the walkways safer and more inviting. The proposed infrastructure is aligned with the Delhi Master Plan 2041, which prioritises walkability, safety, and public transport-oriented development. The plan envisions a human-centric, zero net carbon future for Delhi by encouraging walking, cycling, and last-mile connectivity through integrated urban design.
Urban planners and mobility experts have cautiously welcomed the decision, noting that the success of such projects depends heavily on their location, ease of use, and integration with street-level networks. While the capital has in the past invested in footbridges, several have faced criticism for poor upkeep, misuse, or low footfall due to inconvenient placement. Authorities have said they will avoid past mistakes through improved stakeholder consultations and real-time data mapping of pedestrian zones. Importantly, this shift also reflects an evolving mindset in Indian city governance—one that recognises pedestrians not as obstacles to traffic but as rightful claimants of urban space. As the city continues to grapple with increasing vehicular congestion and toxic air, these infrastructure upgrades are expected to contribute incrementally to lowering emissions, easing traffic, and reducing road-related injuries and fatalities.
For Delhiites who navigate the city on foot daily, this is a welcome, if overdue, step towards safer, more equitable streets.
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