Raised pedestrian paths on GT road becoming safety concern

The raised pedestrian paths constructed on the main GT Road under the “Smart Junctions” project are resulting in frequent accidents and inconvenience to commuters. These pedestrian paths, developed as part of the Smart City initiative, are being criticised for their design flaws, which have led to increased traffic congestion and safety concerns.

Local residents have strongly opposed the raised pedestrian paths, arguing that they obstruct the smooth movement of traffic and pose a significant risk to car and two-wheeler drivers. According to commuters, the paths contribute to traffic jams during the day and become nearly invisible at night, leading to accidents. Many drivers, especially those not familiar with the area, are caught off guard by these raised sections, resulting in sudden braking, vehicle damage and even collision with BRTS grills.

Visitors from outside the city, unfamiliar with these raised structures, are particularly vulnerable and often fall victim to sudden jolts while driving. Many claim that the lack of adequate signage and visibility at night exacerbates the problem, making it a serious safety hazard.

“These speed-breakers are not visible at night because they are not highlighted by using a different colour. This is a grave issue and the speed-breakers are excessively high. It seems that they do not adhere to standard norms or have design flaws. Immediate action should be taken to avoid mishaps,” said local resident Ramandeep Singh.

Many affected commuters have raised the issue on social media platforms in the past, urging the authorities to remove the paths or change the design. Last year, MLA North Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh stopped the construction of this pathway at Lawrence Road chowk. He also raised concerns regarding its structure and design.