Kolkata, West Bengal In a decisive move to address the concerningly high number of pedestrian fatalities, which accounted for 41% of all road accident deaths last year with 79 lives lost, city authorities have finalised comprehensive plans to install pedestrian barriers and median dividers across five critical stretches in central and south Kolkata.
This initiative underscores a concerted effort to enhance pedestrian safety and deter the perilous practice of jaywalking on some of the city’s most heavily trafficked arteries. While the long-term strategy involves the installation of permanent pedestrian barriers, immediate action has seen the deployment of temporary guard rails along Outram Road and Red Road to prevent unauthorised pedestrian crossings. These guard rails have been visibly marked with white paint to ensure their conspicuousness for both pedestrians and motorists.
A particularly vulnerable corridor identified is the Strand Road stretch between Babughat and Princep Ghat, where a high volume of pedestrian movement, often for religious observances and leisure activities, intersects with significant vehicular traffic, leading to frequent instances of jaywalking. Authorities have requested the immediate installation of iron fencing along this stretch by the relevant public works department. Officials envision that this permanent barrier will pave the way for the establishment of designated bus stops, further streamlining traffic management and pedestrian flow. Recognising the persistent challenges along the bustling MG Road, law enforcement agencies have approached the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to implement pedestrian barriers along its entire length. This measure aims to complement ongoing efforts by local police to maintain clear pedestrian footpaths by physically preventing pedestrians from crossing the road at undesignated and potentially hazardous points. The strategic placement of these barriers is intended to instil a greater sense of road discipline and channel pedestrian movement towards safer, designated crossing zones.
Furthermore, acknowledging the specific risks associated with elevated roadways, port authorities have been engaged to install railings on the median divider of the Brabourne flyover, particularly in the vicinity of Khangra Patty where the flyover’s curvature increases the risk of vehicles crossing over to the opposite carriageway. Similar median dividers are being considered for the EM Bypass and the Park Circus connector, both known for their high traffic volumes and the potential for serious accidents. These infrastructural interventions are a direct outcome of an extensive study conducted on pedestrian-related accidents within the city. The data reveals a consistently alarming trend, with pedestrians comprising a significant proportion of road accident fatalities. In the preceding year, 79 out of all fatal accident victims were pedestrians, a slight decrease from the 72 pedestrian deaths recorded out of 159 total fatalities in the year before that. The year prior also witnessed a similar pattern, with 74 pedestrian deaths accounting for roughly 40% of all road fatalities.
In addition to the physical barriers, authorities are also implementing supplementary measures to enhance pedestrian safety. Loudspeakers are being installed at key crossings to broadcast safety announcements and raise awareness about responsible road usage. Moreover, efforts are underway to ensure that pedestrian signals equipped with timers are fully functional, providing clear guidance to pedestrians on when it is safe to cross. The multi-pronged approach adopted by Kolkata authorities reflects a growing commitment to creating a more equitable and safer urban environment for all its citizens, particularly the vulnerable pedestrian population. By integrating infrastructural changes with public awareness initiatives, the city aims to cultivate a culture of road safety and significantly reduce the tragic toll of pedestrian accidents, fostering a more sustainable and people-centric urban mobility ecosystem.
Kolkata Prioritises Pedestrian Well being