Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026 proposes pedestrian path mandatory

The Mohan Majhi government has come up with draft Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026, proposing a pedestrian path mandatory for new and existing roads which will be upgraded or widened in the State.

The rules have prescribed action against the road owning agency, contractor or consultant if a faulty design is found to have caused death or disability or grievous injury of a pedestrians.

“All new road construction, widening, improvement, maintenance and upgradation works will include pedestrian and non-motorized transport (NMT) facilities at the design and detailed project report stage,” the draft rules say.

“Such facilities will not be omitted or diluted unless reasons are recorded in writing and approved by the competent authority,” the rules maintain.