KOCHI: One of the requirements for a developing metro is pedestrian-savvy roads and footpaths that guarantee a hassle-free walk. But in Kochi not just busy roads, but almost all roads lack provisions to facilitate this basic need. Most of the concrete slabs covering the drains are either missing or in a bad shape and you will have to think twice before stepping on them.
“Walking through city roads has become a highly risky affair. To start with there are no proper footpaths. You have to walk carefully on broken slabs and if it rains the condition is even worse,” says Sreelatha, a school teacher. Due to traffic congestion pedestrians are left with no option but to share narrow footpaths with two-wheelers.
There is no proper system to enable pedestrians cross the roads safely. “At major junctions we have to wait for a long time to cross roads. Vehicle riders ignore zebra crossings and we have to rush through the mad traffic to avoid accidents,” says Arun Kumar, a clerk. Though children are taught the rules to cross the roads safely, many of them make go-for-broke dashes leading to unfortunate incidents.
Another major problem for pedestrians is roadside vendors who encroach a major share of footpaths. At many junctions almost everything is available on the roadsides except walking space.
“The footpath is almost nonexistent at Menaka Junction, which is filled with street vendors,” says Shalini, a housewife.
kochi@expressbuzz.com