Kochi Walkable Future City Plans For Safer Streets
The Kochi Municipal Corporation has launched the ‘Walkable Kochi’ initiative, aiming to create a more pedestrian-friendly city. The project, unveiled on Wednesday, seeks to assess and improve pedestrian infrastructure across all 74 divisions, ensuring safe and accessible pathways for residents. The initiative is being implemented with technical assistance from GIZ India under the Indo-German Sustainable Urban Mobility Air Quality, Climate Action, Accessibility (SUM-ACA) project. It is also supported by the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED), the research and advisory arm of the Kochi Municipal Corporation.
The first phase of Walkable Kochi will focus on identifying a priority walking network within each ward, particularly in areas with high pedestrian footfall, as outlined in the Kochi Municipal Corporation’s Master Plan 2040. This phase involves a detailed evaluation of the city’s road network, assessing the extent and condition of footpaths to determine necessary improvements. In the second phase, community-led audits will be conducted in all 74 wards with the help of volunteers and organisations using digital tools such as smartphones. The gathered data will be compiled and made publicly accessible through a digital dashboard hosted on the C-HED website.
This data will serve as the foundation for a long-term strategy aimed at enhancing pedestrian infrastructure across the city. The project is expected to receive financial backing from the municipal corporation as well as other funding sources, with annual budgetary allocations for its ongoing development. The initiative will prioritise improvements in pedestrian infrastructure in high-footfall areas, ensuring safer sidewalks, improved junctions, and enhanced crossings. Existing footpaths will be gradually upgraded in a phased manner to align with the city’s urban mobility vision. Speaking at the launch event, described Walkable Kochi as a progressive step towards resolving the city’s pedestrian mobility challenges.
He emphasised that the project aligns with broader sustainable development goals, ensuring inclusive, accessible, and disability-friendly infrastructure. He further highlighted the importance of community participation, stating that the initiative is structured to incorporate direct feedback from citizens, making it a people-centric urban development effort. The launch event witnessed participation from local representatives, urban planners, and various institutional stakeholders, demonstrating widespread support for the project. C-HED Director extended a warm welcome to attendees, reiterating the commitment of the municipal corporation towards sustainable urban mobility.
With Walkable Kochi, the city is taking a significant leap towards safer and more inclusive urban infrastructure, setting a model for other Indian cities to follow. The success of the initiative will depend on consistent public engagement, efficient execution, and sustainable policy measures to ensure long-term benefits for pedestrians and the urban environment alike.
