New Delhi: The Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed development of footpaths along the stretch near the Indian Council of Medical Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Safdarjung Hospital, a corridor that is also a traffic hotspot and a high-footfall pedestrian zone.The need for intervention is acute here, given that the stretch has been listed under congestion zones too.The AIIMS–Safdarjung stretch functions as one of Delhi’s most important healthcare access corridors, where walking is not a matter of choice but necessity. Every day, thousands of patients, attendants and visitors move between hospital gates, bus stops, the metro station and nearby support services. A large number of them are elderly, unwell or unfamiliar with the city, making safe and continuous pedestrian infrastructure essential to basic mobility.At present, the condition of the footpaths is inconsistent, sources said. “Several stretches are broken, while others are narrowed by encroachments and parked vehicles. As a result, people are often forced onto the carriageway, navigating through heavy traffic on a road already known for congestion. Poorly defined crossings and a lack of markings add to the risk, especially for vulnerable users,” a source said.PWD has earmarked Rs 93.4 lakh for the upgrade, with a focus on improving both safety and usability. The plan includes laying cement concrete footpaths to provide a stable and durable walking surface that can withstand constant, heavy use typical of the area. Damaged kerb stones will be replaced to clearly separate pedestrian space from the road. prevent vehicles from mounting the footpath and ensuring continuity along the stretch.The project will also introduce cement concrete paver blocks at key sections to improve surface quality and allow for easier maintenance in high-traffic zones. To address vehicular intrusion, precast concrete bollards will be installed along the edges of footpaths, creating a barrier that protects pedestrian space. In addition, tactile paving will be laid for visually impaired users, enabling safer and more independent navigation through the corridor.The proposed work signals a shift towards strengthening pedestrian infrastructure in a zone where walkability is directly linked to access to critical healthcare services, and where safer footpaths can significantly ease the daily movement of thousands.Separately, PWD has also planned the raising of footpaths, repair of cycle tracks and construction of drains along B.P Marg. Road widening and footpath improvement work, including the creation of a plantation strip after removal of encroachments, are also proposed from Palam flyover to Bikaner Sweet Corner on Palam Dabri Road to better utilise the available right of way.
