Vizag ranks fifth in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure

Visakhapatnam has emerged as the fifth most pedestrian-friendly city among 12 Indian cities surveyed in the State of Indian Streets 2026 report released by urban mobility research organisation Neural City, underscoring recent improvements in the city’s walking infrastructure.

The city recorded 13.4 per cent walkable footpath coverage, while Lucknow topped the rankings with 28 per cent. Among southern cities, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad placed ahead of Visakhapatnam.

The report evaluated whether pedestrians could walk continuously for at least 100 metres without interruption and assessed the availability and quality of footpaths and other supporting infrastructure.

According to the report, Visakhapatnam’s ranking reflects sustained investment in pedestrian facilities by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) over the past few years.

Major improvements include continuous footpaths along stretches of Beach Road from Coastal Battery to Bheemunipatnam, a popular corridor for walkers, joggers and beachgoers. Under the Smart City Mission, pedestrian infrastructure has also been developed along the Siripuram-Beach Road corridor and from behind Waltair Club to All India Radio Junction. Walking tracks have also been laid within the green belts along the National Highway between Maddilapalem and NAD Junction.

The GVMC has also upgraded footpaths on Railway Station Road and the stretch connecting the railway station with the National Highway at Tatichhetlapalem to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety.

The report says the city’s focus on creating walkable public spaces and improving footpath connectivity has contributed to its higher ranking among Indian cities, although its walkable footpath coverage remains well below that of the top-ranked cities.