The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi has received a proposal to construct 21 new foot overbridges (FOBs) across high-traffic locations in the city, following a review by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and the Delhi Traffic Police. Ground surveys are now underway to prepare detailed project reports.

The initiative aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in key congested areas. Among the proposed sites are Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg near Old Delhi Railway Station’s exit, Shaheed Captain Batra Chowk, the LNJP Hospital in Central Delhi, Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Munja Chowk on Boulevard Road, and Lala Lajpat Rai Marg in South Delhi.

While most proposed sites fall under the PWD’s jurisdiction, several belong to other agencies, such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The PWD has confirmed it will coordinate with relevant bodies to move the proposals forward.

This renewed emphasis on pedestrian infrastructure follows years of criticism from the courts regarding the disrepair and poor accessibility of existing FOBs. Many bridges lack working lifts, have broken escalators, and are often unclean—making them inaccessible for elderly and disabled users.

A 2018 Planning Department report found that 77 per cent of Delhi’s FOBs lacked lifts, only 23 per cent had escalators, and around 70 per cent were without security personnel. In 2023, the Delhi High Court called their condition “pathetic,” prompting the PWD to promise comprehensive repairs and better maintenance.

The department subsequently set up a dedicated committee to oversee the upkeep of existing FOBs, with measures such as routine cleaning, theft prevention, and protection against vandalism.

The push to construct 21 new FOBs alongside upgrades to current infrastructure marks a significant step in Delhi’s effort to create a more walkable, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment.