Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Andhra Pradesh Advances Plan for Pedestrian-Friendly Visakhapatnam Roads
The Andhra Pradesh government wants people to walk more safely in cities.
It plans to remove things that block sidewalks, such as illegal stalls and parked vehicles.
Officials will check sidewalks and crossings in 50 cities and towns.
They will find dangerous places near schools, hospitals and busy junctions.
Each selected city will get special plans to make those places safer.
Sidewalks should be at least two metres wide and easier for wheelchair users, older people and visually impaired people to use.
In Visakhapatnam, the city corporation has already removed more than 1,000 encroachments through a special drive.
Technology and regular reviews will be used to stop cleared areas from being blocked again.
Andhra Pradesh approved a dedicated pedestrian policy to improve safety and accessibility in cities and towns.
Footpaths and crossings will be audited in 50 cities and towns, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
At least 15 to 20 dangerous locations will be identified in each selected city for special safety plans.
New guidelines require footpaths to be at least two metres wide and accessible to vulnerable pedestrians.
GVMC’s Operation LUNGS 2.0 has cleared more than 1,000 encroachments, following an earlier removal of nearly 3,000.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government, municipal authorities and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation are implementing the initiative.
- What
- The initiative will clear footpath encroachments, improve pedestrian infrastructure, audit dangerous locations and strengthen road-safety monitoring.
- When
- The policy has received state cabinet approval, and GVMC’s Operation LUNGS 2.0 is already underway.
- Where
- The measures will cover 50 cities and towns, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada; Operation LUNGS 2.0 covers areas within GVMC limits.
- Why
- The stated goals are to improve pedestrian safety, restore public spaces, support vulnerable pedestrians, ease traffic movement and prevent accidents linked to inadequate infrastructure.
- Policy status
- A dedicated pedestrian policy was approved by the Andhra Pradesh state cabinet.
- Audit coverage
- Footpaths and pedestrian crossings will be audited in 50 cities and towns.
- Dangerous locations
- At least 15 to 20 accident-prone spots will be shortlisted in each selected city.
- Footpath width
- New guidelines require footpaths to have a minimum width of two metres.
- Monitoring tools
- GIS mapping, geo-tagging and a mobile application for public complaints will support enforcement.
- Recent enforcement
- Operation LUNGS 2.0 has cleared more than 1,000 encroachments across GVMC limits.
- Earlier campaign
- A previous GVMC campaign during the Dasara season removed nearly 3,000 encroachments.