Patna: In a major step towards improving pedestrian safety, the Bihar govt has issued strict directions to make footpaths encroachment-free across the state. Development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, during a high-level road safety meeting, directed the urban development and housing department to ensure complete removal of encroachments from footpaths by March 31, 2026.The initiative seeks to restore footpaths for their intended purpose — safe and convenient passage exclusively for pedestrians — amid rising concerns over road accidents and unregulated urban traffic. According to a statement issued by the department on Thursday, “Footpaths in many cities across Bihar are frequently occupied by illegal encroachments, including extensions of shops, roadside stalls, storage of construction materials, private vehicle parking, and other commercial activities. As a result, pedestrians — especially children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities — are forced onto the main carriageway, increasing the risk of accidents for both walkers and vehicle drivers.”An official said the issue was particularly severe around schools, hospitals, markets, bus stands, railway stations and major intersections. “These high-traffic and vulnerable areas saw the most severe impacts on pedestrian safety. Authorities were instructed to prioritise these locations, remove all encroachments, restore footpaths to their original condition, and ensure they remain dedicated solely to pedestrian movement,” the official said.In both rural and urban areas, accident-prone locations — commonly referred to as black spots — will be identified by the transport department and other stakeholders. Footpaths will be constructed at these high-risk points to provide safer walking options.In densely populated urban zones, special emphasis has been placed on identification and construction of footpaths in accordance with road safety standards. The directive aligns with broader initiatives such as Saat Nischay-3 aimed at strengthening pedestrian infrastructure, including zebra crossings, foot overbridges, escalators, underpasses and CCTV surveillance to reduce road accidents and promote orderly traffic movement.
