To The Point: Supreme Court Rebukes Critics of Green Bridge and Urban Street Projects; Political Allegations Fall Flat

Pimpri-Chinchwad | Special Correspondent

With the backdrop of the Assembly and upcoming Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections, political parties that accused the civic body of “narrowing roads and worsening traffic congestion,” “wasting hundreds of crores of rupees,” and branding the Green Bridge and Urban Street projects as “mere showpiece initiatives” have received a strong rebuttal following a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India.

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While the Green Bridge and Urban Street Design projects have been subjected to sustained political criticism, the Supreme Court, in its recent historic verdict, has categorically held that the right to walk on footpaths is a fundamental right protected under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Court further emphasized that it is the responsibility of local self-government institutions to provide safe, dedicated, and continuous infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists in every city.

The judgment has effectively provided not only administrative but also direct legal backing to the Green Bridge and Urban Street projects undertaken by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Consequently, many of the political allegations raised against these projects during the election campaign are now being viewed as lacking merit.

Political Opposition Faces Judicial Validation of the Projects

Ahead of the Assembly and forthcoming municipal elections, several political parties had targeted the Green Bridge and Urban Street initiatives, alleging that wider footpaths had reduced road space and caused inconvenience to motorists.

However, the Supreme Court has made it clear that public roads are not meant exclusively for motor vehicles but are shared public spaces that equally belong to pedestrians, cyclists, and all citizens. The ruling reinforces that the planning philosophy adopted by PCMC through these projects is consistent with constitutional principles and sustainable urban development.

70 Kilometres of Safe Footpaths and Cycle Tracks Developed

Under the Urban Street Design initiative, PCMC has so far redesigned approximately 45 kilometres of roads at a cost of around ₹100 crore. In addition, the Green Bridge project has created nearly 25 kilometres of dedicated footpaths and cycle tracks with an investment of ₹132 crore.

Together, these initiatives have established a network of nearly 70 kilometres of safe pedestrian pathways and cycling infrastructure across the city.

‘No Longer an Option, but a Legal Responsibility’

According to Bapusaheb Gaikwad, Joint City Engineer of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the Supreme Court’s judgment has transformed the Green Bridge and Urban Street initiatives from mere development projects into a legal obligation aimed at protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.

He stated that these projects will encourage more people to walk and cycle, reduce pollution, improve road safety, and contribute towards building a more environmentally sustainable city.

Questions Raised Over the Opposition’s Stand

Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, questions are now being raised over the continued political criticism of these projects. Citizens have begun asking whether the opposition to essential pedestrian and cycling infrastructure was driven by genuine concerns over development or merely by political considerations.

According to civic officials, the judgment has paved the way for Pimpri-Chinchwad to emerge as one of India’s leading cities that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists through safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban infrastructure.

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