In Telangana, the right to walk derailed by design

The Supreme Court's declaration that walking on demarcated footpaths is a fundamental right highlights a significant legal step for pedestrian safety. However, in Hyderabad, Telangana, this right is largely unfulfilled due to decades of vehicle-focused urban planning that has neglected pedestrian infrastructure. Swathi Vadlamudi's investigation reveals the dire state of the city's footpaths and the obstacles in turning this legal right into a practical reality, underscoring the urgent need for urban redesign to prioritize human movement over vehicular dominance. This situation not only impacts daily commutes but also raises broader questions about urban planning and public health.