Jaipur: Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) will build two pedestrian subways on Mahal Road to improve safety along the 9 km stretch between No 7 Crossing and Bombay Hospital. The facilities will come up at Akshay Patra Crossing and No 7 Crossing based on a study of pedestrian movement and crossing patterns.The project follows JDA’s decision to block four road crossings on the corridor. Officials said the subways will reduce risky pedestrian movement across traffic lanes and provide safer crossings.“The tender has already been awarded, and work is expected to begin within 15 days. Construction is likely to take three to four months,” said a JDA official.
File photo of JDA’s new U turn system at Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Unlike conventional pedestrian subways, including those near Yadgar on MI Road and Jawahar Circle, the proposed structures will have a different design. Pedestrians will not have to descend deep below the road or walk through a long, enclosed passage. Instead, the road will be raised over the passage, keeping entry and exit points close to surface level.A senior JDA engineer said the design focuses on visibility and ease of use. The exit will be visible from the entry point, allowing pedestrians to see the entire passage before entering. Users will descend only three to four steps, walk straight through and climb a similar number of steps on the other side.“Such designs are increasingly accepted because they address the psychological barriers that discourage people from using conventional underpasses. When pedestrians can see the end of the passage from the beginning, they are more likely to use it, making the facility effective for traffic management and safety,” said the engineer.
