Odisha draft rules would require pedestrian paths on upgraded roads

The Odisha government has proposed rules requiring pedestrian facilities on new roads and on existing roads that are widened, improved or upgraded. The draft Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026, say pedestrian and non-motorised transport facilities must be included at the design and detailed-project-report stage. They could not be omitted or diluted without written reasons and approval from the competent authority.

The proposal calls for continuous footpaths on both sides of urban arterial and sub-arterial roads, high-footfall corridors and highways or major roads passing through inhabited areas, subject to site conditions and applicable standards. Priority would be given to school and hospital zones, markets, bus stops, transit terminals, government offices, pilgrimage and tourist areas, industrial areas, high-crash locations and places where pedestrian injuries or deaths occurred during the previous two or three years. The draft says footpaths should form connected and direct walking networks linked to safe crossings, bus stops, waiting areas, public transport and adjoining land uses.

Motor vehicles would be prohibited from being driven, parked, stopped, repaired or washed on footpaths, pedestrian zones, crossings, kerb ramps, refuges, cycle tracks and shared paths except in designated areas. Violators could be punished under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, including sections 177, 201 and 210B, and vehicles could be removed or towed in accordance with law. Every implementing agency would also be required to audit pedestrian infrastructure.

If an investigation found that an agency, contractor, consultant or concessionaire’s failure to meet design, construction or maintenance standards caused or contributed to a pedestrian’s death, disability or grievous injury, action could be taken under section 198A of the Act, contractual terms, service rules or other applicable law.