Residing in an Indian metro, not a single day passes without encountering delivery staff on their rounds, delivering everything from food to electronics. E-commerce companies, both Indian and foreign, have their delivery staff zip through our streets from morning until midnight.
Mobility options are as diverse as our country! Paratransit fills a gap by connecting us to public transport or by providing transport in localities where buses and trains don't venture. Whether you call them auto-rickshaws, share autos, chakdas, minivans, electric rickshaws or minibuses, they all help make public transport more #accessible. Which ones have you used? Comment below. Picture Credit: Wikimedia
This survey questionnaire was used to obtain data for the public transport users in Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) on access to public transport information study.
Chennai's latest shopping promenade is best experienced on foot. The new vibrant outlook of Pondy Bazaar brings in shoppers from all across Chennai to enjoy the hustle and bustle the street has to offer. A development like this is a first for the city, where road space has been reclaimed to create wider footpaths and seating areas. The project, overall, has been well received by users. Have you been to Pondy Bazaar in recent times? Tell us below. Picture credit: ITDP
Commercial areas often get crowded and congested due to the high footfall and vehicular movement. A good solution is pedestrianisation. The Mall Road in Shimla is a good example of a successful pedestrian-oriented commercial street and social lifeline. It is a pedestrian paradise and a shopper's dream to walk on the clean, vehicle-free street (except for emergency vehicles). The addition of trees and seating could further enhance the current streetscape. How would you want to change the commercial streets in your city? Comment below. Picture credit: ITDP
A great example of a #PedestrianPlaza! J.M. Road, Pune showcases ways in which roads can serve as safe, communal spaces, while performing their primary function.
Going to a renowned #Tourist attraction in India is often a formidable experience, but that's not the case in #Madurai. The streets encircling the famous #MeenakshiTemple have been converted into a #pedestrian-friendly zone by ensuring shaded roads, banning vehicles, introducing battery-operated cars, putting in paver blocks, moving storm water drains and trenches for electricity cables under the pavement. This bold move of banning vehicles has been relished by the public as pedestrians can now walk hassle-free around the temple. Picture credit: ITDP
Bipedalism (standing upright on two feet) is considered the crucial marker of human evolution. Walking, whether on a pilgrimage or as a mode of protest (think Dandi or Selma), is invested with significance, with an aura, a purpose. The effort, the impetus behind walking, the motivation that propels these walks are recognised as something special.