**Hyderabad: Broken, Blocked Footpaths Leave Pedestrians Struggling Across City**

Hyderabad’s Footpaths Leave Pedestrians With Little Room to Walk

Hyderabad’s footpaths continue to pose challenges for pedestrians, with several stretches across the city affected by encroachments, parking, damaged surfaces and other obstructions.

A ground-level assessment across areas including Lakdi-ka-Pul, Masab Tank and stretches towards Banjara Hills found that walkable pavements often give way to narrow passages or disappear altogether.

Under Indian Roads Congress guidelines cited in the report, footpaths are expected to provide a clear walking width of at least 1.8 metres in residential areas and 2.5 metres in commercial areas. The space should also remain free from obstructions such as parked vehicles and other encroachments.

On the Lakdi-ka-Pul side, the pavement near the Metro station and CID office provides relatively wider walking space. However, the situation changes along the bridge, where the footpath becomes narrower and steeper. Local residents also raised concerns about public urination and unpleasant conditions after dark.

Further towards Saifabad, some stretches offer usable pavement, while hotels, canteens and other establishments occupy portions of the pedestrian space. Public toilets located along parts of the pavement were also cited as a concern, particularly for women commuters.

Near AC Guards and Masab Tank, pedestrians encounter broken sections, litter, overgrown areas, dustbins and vehicles parked on the footpath. In some places, hawkers and roadside businesses further reduce the available walking space.

At Masab Tank, portions of the pavement function as informal market space, with vendors, shops and other activities leaving pedestrians with limited room. Railings and tree pits also reduce usable space along certain stretches.

Near major junctions, two-wheelers and other vehicles parked on footpaths create additional difficulties for commuters trying to reach bus stops or cross busy roads.

Towards Banjara Hills, the pavement repeatedly changes from a usable walkway to narrow or obstructed stretches. Parking outside commercial establishments, restaurant ramps, roadside stalls, tyres and temporary structures were among the issues observed in different sections.

Near Banjara Lake and surrounding areas, some portions of the footpath disappear midway before resuming further ahead. Other sections are occupied by sheds, transformers and hawkers.

Pedestrians, including office workers, students and hospital visitors, say the lack of continuous and obstruction-free footpaths forces them to frequently step onto the road. The situation can become particularly difficult when two pedestrians approach each other on narrow stretches.

The condition of footpaths remains a significant pedestrian mobility concern as Hyderabad continues to expand. A continuous, accessible and obstruction-free walking network is essential for people who rely on public transport and walking for their daily commute.