GHMC plans to lay new walker-friendly footpaths

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is gearing up for construction of walker-friendly footpaths in the city. The corporation is studying various designs to ensure hassle-free walk for pedestrians and to prevent encroachments.Pedestrians are at present have a tough time due to the design of footpaths as some two-wheelers are coming on to them to skirt traffic jams.

Mainly elders and children find it difficult to walk on it, also due to presence of hawkers and encroachments. This is more gruelling in the case of physically or visually challenged people. The latter are unable to take footpaths as they are narrow and devoid of railings. As a result, pedestrians are forced to walk on roads, risking their lives.

Footpaths at Madhapur and Road No 36 are not in proper condition and users find it hard to use them. Morning and evening walkers also complain about the footpaths and urge government intervention to repair them.Despite crores of investment, footpaths are lying useless at several areas the city. Footpaths laid  at several areas by GHMC, HRDCL and Metro Rail are seen deserted most of the time, despite their colourful looks. 

GHMC Vigilance & Enforcement and Disaster Management wing has taken up the task of removing illegal encroachments. Officials said that they removed 15,444 encroachments till now and are planning to construct walking friendly footpaths at the removed places.Officials are planning to set up the railings on both sides of the footpaths as incidents of chain snatching are being reported by walkers. Vigilance Director Vishwajith Kampati said that they had written a letter to the electricity department to remove transformers that are on footpaths. He also assured that newly designed footpaths will be laid soon.