Patna: Authorities in Bihar have ordered a statewide campaign to remove illegal encroachments from footpaths by March 31, part of a broader initiative to improve pedestrian safety and urban mobility.
The directive, issued during a high-level road safety meeting chaired by the state’s development commissioner, instructs the Urban Development and Housing Department to clear pavements occupied by shop extensions, handcarts, construction materials and informal parking. Officials said the move aims to restore footpaths for pedestrian use and reduce the risk of road accidents.
Footpaths in many cities across Bihar are routinely blocked by temporary and permanent encroachments, forcing walkers onto busy roads. Such conditions are especially hazardous near schools, hospitals, markets, bus stands and railway stations, where children, elderly people and disabled residents are disproportionately affected.
“Footpaths must be reserved for pedestrians and maintained in their original form,” the directive stated, emphasising that the deadline for clearing obstructions is firm. The measure is intended to improve traffic flow and enhance urban order while prioritising pedestrian rights.
Alongside the clearance drive, authorities have been instructed to identify accident-prone locations in both rural and urban areas where footpaths are lacking. New pedestrian pathways will be constructed in high-risk zones, particularly in densely populated urban neighbourhoods. Officials said these projects will adhere to road safety standards and be implemented as quickly as possible.
Road accidents remain a significant public safety concern in Bihar, with crowded streets and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure frequently cited as contributing factors. The government’s latest initiative reflects a growing focus on urban planning solutions aimed at reducing fatalities and ensuring safer mobility for residents.
