Nashik Municipal Corporation to audit footpaths across city, plans helpline for pedestrians to flag encroachments & damaged walkways

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to conduct a comprehensive audit of footpaths across the city to assess their condition, identify repair needs and pinpoint locations where new pedestrian infrastructure is required.Officials said based on the audit findings, the civic body would prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the repair of existing footpaths and the construction of new ones. The initiative is part of NMC’s larger effort to enhance walkability and ensure safer movement for both residents and the large number of pilgrims expected during the Kumbh Mela.As part of the plan, NMC will also introduce a dedicated helpline for pedestrians.

Citizens will be able to report damaged footpaths, encroachments and other issues affecting pedestrian movement. The officials believe the helpline will help identify problem spots and enable quicker action.NMC executive engineer (traffic) Ravindra Bagul told TOI that the audit would focus on evaluating whether existing footpaths are safe, accessible and usable. “Every citizen has the right to walk safely.

Our priority is to ensure that footpaths along city roads are in good condition and remain accessible to pedestrians. If encroachments are found on footpaths, appropriate action will be taken through the civic body’s encroachment department,” he said.The initiative assumes significance in light of the massive influx of devotees expected during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, when lakhs of pilgrims are likely to travel on foot between religious sites and civic facilities across the city.

“We are also planning to introduce helpline numbers dedicated to pedestrians. Citizens will be able to report issues related to footpaths, roads and traffic infrastructure. Their feedback will help us improve pedestrian facilities and overall urban mobility,” Bagul said.According to civic officials, Nashik has an estimated road network of about 2,500km, including nearly 1,700km of asphalt roads. While the city does not have consolidated data on the total length of footpaths, officials estimate it to be around 350km.Several ongoing infrastructure projects are already incorporating pedestrian-friendly features. The 6.5km Nashik-Pune highway stretch from Dwarka Circle to Datta Mandir is being developed with footpaths on both sides along with service roads. Similarly, most roads being upgraded under Kumbh-related infrastructure projects are being designed with dedicated pedestrian pathways.