Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has drawn attention to the streets of Indian cities, emphasizing the significance of pavements in enhancing both physical safety and mental well-being. He urges municipalities to focus on comprehensive street designs that prioritize the aesthetics and dimensions of pavements.
In a post on the social media platform X, Mahindra shared images of various Indian streets and stated, “Forget the PR; it’s all about the quality of life for citizens. Streets like these contribute not only to physical safety but also to mental well-being. The most crucial design element of these streets is the pavements. They belong to the people and truly reflect the value a city places on its citizens. Every municipality in the country should adopt a holistic approach to street design, with pavements—their size and aesthetics—being the top priority.”
Mahindra’s post also underscored the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in Indian cities, showcasing streets from Pune, Indore, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Social media users responded to Mahindra’s insights, with some praising certain cities while others criticized urban planning. One user remarked, “Beautiful streets with well-designed pavements aren’t just about aesthetics—they enhance safety, mental well-being, and the overall quality of life for citizens. Cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Indore are setting a positive example. Every Indian municipality should prioritize holistic urban design.”
Another user expressed frustration, stating, “Our city’s infrastructure is a joke. The money wasted on repeatedly repairing poor-quality roads is truly outrageous.”
A different user added, “Every infrastructure has a saturation limit. Overcapacity undermines the system. Urban India is operating at ten times its capacity. India needs more urban centers for sustainable growth. Unfortunately, the promises of Smart Cities have not materialized over the past decade.”
One user highlighted the broader implications of well-designed streets, saying, “It’s so true that well-designed streets and pavements are about much more than just getting from point A to point B. Pavements are public spaces that everyone shares. They should be welcoming, safe, and accessible to all.”
The need for improved street designs in India has become increasingly urgent due to the rising number of road accidents. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, nearly 462 people died in road accidents every day in 2022, with an average of approximately 1,264 accidents occurring daily, resulting in nearly 168,000 fatalities.
