Lok Sabha Question No. 4388 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-19
Subject: Walk to Work Projects
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Tangella Uday Srinivas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4388 TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 19, 2026

## WALK TO WORK PROJECTS

## NO. 4388.  SHRI TANGELLA UDAY SRINIVAS:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  total  number  of  "Walk  to  Work"  projects  sanctioned  and implemented across the country, State and city-wise;
- (b) the  total  funds  allocated,  released  and  utilised  for  these  projects during the last five years;
- (c) the criteria adopted for selecting locations and urban areas for such projects;
- (d) the details of key components of these projects including pedestrian pathways, cycling lanes, signage, street lighting and safety measures;
- (e) the impact of implemented projects on reducing vehicular congestion, improving pedestrian safety and promoting active transport along with any supporting data or case studies; and
- (f) the steps being taken to expand "Walk to Work" projects to additional cities  and  towns  in  the  country  including  measures  for  public awareness and participation?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (f): As per 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India, Urban Planning and implementation of pedestrian infrastructure, including initiatives that encourage walking to workplaces is the function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ Urban Development Authorities. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States through schematic interventions/ advisories.

The Government of India has, however, issued  policy  frameworks, advisories and model guidelines from time to time for improving walk to work  including  pedestrian  infrastructure.  The  URDPFI  Guidelines,  2014 Chapter  5-  Urban Planning Approach  provide  for  planning  norms  that encourage compact, mixed-use development and walk-to-work principles, connectivity between  residential  and  work  areas,  and  integration  of  land  use  with including provision of adequate pedestrian pathways, transport planning to promote safe and accessible pedestrian movement.

Atal  Mission  for  Rejuvenation  and  Urban  Transformation  (AMRUT) was launched on 25 June 2015 in selected 500 cities (485 cities including 15  merged  cities)  and  towns  across  the  country.  Non-motorised  Urban Transport is one of the thrust areas of the AMRUT Mission that includes provision of pedestrian, non-motorized and public transport facilities, cycle tracks, parking spaces etc. Under this sector, the purpose is to bring down traffic congestion & to reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing  facilities  for  non-motorized  transport  (e.g.  walking  and cycling). Against the total plan size of ₹77,640 crore, ₹1,436 crore (2%) has been allocated under this sector. 348 projects worth ₹1,022.27 crore have been grounded, of which works worth ₹ 986.06 crore have been physically completed.

Under AMRUT, significant emphasis has been placed on promoting energy efficiency and sustainable urban infrastructure. 99 lakh out of the 101  lakh  identified  conventional  streetlights  have  been  replaced  with energy-efficient  LED  streetlights  across  AMRUT  Cities.  The  initiative supports  sustainable  urban  development  including  improved  pedestrian safety, better street usability, enhanced public spaces and promotion of active mobility in cities.

Further,  under  the  Scheme  for  Special  Assistance  to  States  for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2023-25 - Urban Planning Reforms by Ministry of  Finance,  States/UTs  are  recommended  for  incentives  for  notifying Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones, so far 28 TOD corridors were notified in 6 States/UTs.

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