Pedestrians at risk as Avinashi Road lacks footpaths, pedestrian crossings
Residents of Coimbatore are raising concerns over the lack of pedestrian infrastructure, such as footpaths and safe crossings, along the busy 11-km stretch of Avinashi Road. Despite the completion of a major flyover, planned pedestrian facilities like subways were abandoned, leaving commuters and students at risk.
Why it matters
Urban planning failures regarding pedestrian safety highlight the tension between rapid infrastructure development and the needs of non-motorized road users.
For almost 11 km on Avinashi Road in Coimbatore city, from Uppilipalayam to Chinniyampalayam, pedestrians struggle to cross the road or walk along the road edges as there are no proper footpaths or facilities to cross the road.
The busy Avinashi Road houses colleges, schools, commercial buildings and hospitals on either side and is is used by many pedestrians, including the elderly and schoolchildren.
In a few spots, there are pelican crossings. In some places, police personnel help the students cross the road, especially during the peak hours. But, a lack of permanent structures pose risks to pedestrians, said Alamelu, who goes to a college on Avinashi road by bus and has to cross the road to board a bus.
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