Lentis/Saumya Pandya Thakkar, Shakuntala Pandya and the Pedestrians of Ahmedabad

Background The City of Ahmedabad As the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad boasts a bustling urban population of roughly 9.5 million but grapples with severe traffic congestion and a mounting road safety crisis2026-05-01 Ahmedabad Population 2026 https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/india/ahmedabad 2026-05-03 World Population Review en. With a heavy daily ridership dominated by buses and private vehicles, the city’s dense roadways have become increasingly hazardous for pedestrians. In 2023 alone, Ahmedabad recorded 535 fatal crashes, with speeding identified as the primary culpritKamdar Vatsal 2025-04-04 Public Transportation & Traffic Congestion in Ahmedabad https://kautilyadevelopers.in/public-transportation-usage-and-traffic-congestion-challenges-in-ahmedabad/ 2026-05-03 Kautilya Group en-US. Traditional infrastructural attempts to alleviate these issues, such as the construction of new bridges and flyovers, have proven largely unsuccessful. This unchecked vehicular speed and disregard for traffic regulations pose a severe threat in school zones and pedestrian-heavy areas, reflecting a broader crisis where an estimated 16 children lose their lives on Indian roads every dayR Palanisamy Kumar PLS Sai Kiran Mekala Paavan Mahto Ashutosh Irfan Md Bhowmick Maharishi 2020-03-01 ARDUINO based accident prevention and auto intimation system https://ijeecs.iaescore.com/index.php/IJEECS/article/view/20443 Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science en 17 3 1275–1280 10.11591/ijeecs.v17.i3.pp1275-1280 2502-4760. Infrastructure To understand Ahmedabad’s plans to reduce traffic casualties and improve traffic circulation, Ahmedabad’s existing infrastructure as well as its plans for developing infrastructure must be examined. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) was established in July 1950 under the Bombay Provincial Corporation Act of 1949. The AMC is responsible for the civic infrastructure and administration of the city of Ahmedabad AMDAVAD MUNICIPAL CORPORATION https://mybharat.gov.in/Gov/Urban-Local-Body/amdavad-municipal-corporation?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 MyBharat. Other entities, such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) 2024-09-20 NHAI to hand over SG Road to AMC The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/nhai-to-hand-over-sg-road-to-amc/articleshow/113532142.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 0971-8257 and the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda), manage roadways in Ahmedabad 2026-02-22 Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority’s plan to add service roads to SP Ring Road faces 5km hurdle The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-urban-development-authoritys-plan-to-add-service-roads-to-sp-ring-road-faces-5km-hurdle/articleshow/128653810.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 0971-8257. According to a budget report from the AMC, only 731.43 km of the 2,634 km road network has sidewalks, which is less than 28% of the total road network 2026-04-04 A city that forgot its pedestrians: Footpaths missing from 72% of Ahmedabad roads The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/a-city-that-forgot-its-pedestrians-footpaths-missing-from-72-of-ahmedabad-roads/articleshow/130008165.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 0971-8257. The 2,634 km reported road length may not represent the total road length within Ahmedabad, since the report may not have accounted for roads under the management of the NHAI and Auda. Ahmedabad’s major roads, often referenced as arterial roads in The Times of India, have four to six lanes, but some sections of these roads have even more lanes because they include service and bus lanes. Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) runs the public bus service in the city of Ahmedabad. The responsibility for the administration of AMTS comes under the AMC About Us Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Services https://www.amts.co.in/about-us/ 2026-04-30 www.amts.co.in. The AMC has incorporated what it refers to as a “Special Purpose Vehicle,” called Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd., in order to run and operate Ahmedabad’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd. is registered under the Companies Act, 1956, and is a 100% subsidiary of the AMC. In order to provide faster, reliable, eco-friendly, and advanced public transportation, Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd. is committed to operating and running BRTS services Home Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited https://www.ahmedabadbrts.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 www.ahmedabadbrts.org. Alternatively, the people of Ahmedabad can take the metro. Railway transportation in Ahmedabad began in 1863, when the first train from Ahmedabad to Surat was flagged off from the newly built Kalupur railway station 2017-01-20 First train chugged out of Ahmedabad 154 years ago The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/first-train-chugged-out-of-ahmedabad-154-years-ago/articleshow/56674248.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 0971-8257. However, the first section of the metro opened in 2019, and the second section opened in 2026 Project Overview https://www.gujaratmetrorail.com/project-overview2/ 2026-04-30 Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) Limited en-US. The city of Ahmedabad has implemented several types of transportation infrastructure, such as vehicle bridges, including flyovers and railway overbridges; pedestrian bridges; roundabouts, locally known as “circles”; underpasses; speed bumps; and ring roads, which circle the city and allow vehicles passing through Ahmedabad to avoid getting stuck in city traffic. In 2006, Auda developed the 76 km SP Ring Road 2026-02-22 Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority’s plan to add service roads to SP Ring Road faces 5km hurdle The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-urban-development-authoritys-plan-to-add-service-roads-to-sp-ring-road-faces-5km-hurdle/articleshow/128653810.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-05-02 0971-8257. Between 2000 and 2026, 61 bridges, underpasses, and culverts were built, with 46 of them being constructed in the last 16 years. During that time, the city built five pedestrian overbridges, as well as an underpass in Mithakali 2026-04-11 46 flyovers in 16 years, yet Ahmedabad’s traffic jams haven’t moved The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/46-flyovers-in-16-years-yet-ahmedabads-traffic-jams-havent-moved/articleshow/130179536.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-05-01 0971-8257. Ahmedabad’s future plans to develop infrastructure are consistent with its previous infrastructure projects. The AMC plans to take up flyover construction at the city’s six most congested junctions as part of a decade-long program to build flyovers at the 25 most congested junctions 2026-03-31 Six most-congested junctions in Ahmedabad flagged for priority flyovers The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/six-most-congested-junctions-in-ahmedabad-flagged-for-priority-flyovers/articleshow/129910368.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-05-01 0971-8257. Auda approved the upgrade of the SP Ring Road to six lanes and requested that the AMC make provisions for service roads on the 76 km ring road. There is no uniformity in the width of the road, which varies from 60 meters to 96 meters in different sections. Auda approved two tenders worth Rs 2,200 crore to upgrade the 76 km SP Ring Road to six lanes. Rs 2,200 crore, or ₹22,000,000,000, is approximately $232,000,000 USD. In Phase 1, the 37 km eastern stretch will be upgraded, and in Phase 2, the 39.2 km western stretch will be revamped. Additionally, service roads will be developed, with existing two-lane service roads being expanded to four lanes over 34 km, and three-lane service roads over 15 km being expanded to four lanes. The service roads of the AMC will also be included in this development. At the same time, Auda plans to construct two new three-lane bridges next to the existing bridges over the Sabarmati River at Bhat and Kamod. Additionally, three six-lane underpasses will be constructed at Bhat Circle, Chiloda Circle, and Aslali Circle on the SP Ring Road. To create pedestrian crossings, six new foot overbridges will be built on the SP Ring Road 2026-02-22 Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority’s plan to add service roads to SP Ring Road faces 5km hurdle The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-urban-development-authoritys-plan-to-add-service-roads-to-sp-ring-road-faces-5km-hurdle/articleshow/128653810.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-05-02 0971-8257. The state government gave the green signal to Auda to redesignate about 36 square kilometers of land under the agriculture zone, facilitating its conversion into residential and commercial use in fast-developing areas along the periphery of Ahmedabad city. At the same time, the state government has taken an in-principle decision to initiate the process of land acquisition for the proposed third ring road of Ahmedabad city2026-04-17 Auda to denotify 36 sq km agri land for general use The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/auda-to-denotify-36-sq-km-agri-land-for-general-use/articleshow/130316956.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-05-02 0971-8257. Perhaps the most innovative project is the existing yet not operational high-speed railroad network 2026-04-28 Gujarat: All 8 piers ready for bullet train bridge across Sabarmati The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gujarat-all-8-piers-ready-for-bullet-train-bridge-across-sabarmati/articleshow/130563689.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2026-04-30 0971-8257. India’s first bullet train project will begin commercial operations in Gujarat by December 2027. The entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor of the project will be operational by December 2029. The cost of this infrastructure project is about ₹1.08 lakh crore, or approximately $11.4 billion USDTA API 2025-07-28 India’s First Bullet Train Project to Launch by 2027 https://www.transportadvancement.com/news/indias-first-bullet-train-project-to-launch-by-2027/ 2026-05-02 en-GB. The currency conversion between rupees and USD is a reasonable approximation as of 5/2/2026. Participant Groups Pedestrians are arguably the group that benefits the most from the implementation of these paintings. Online sentiment shows that many citizens are concerned about the lack of safe crossing areas in Ahmedabad, particularly on larger highwaysNo pedestrian crossing on SG highway https://www.reddit.com/r/ahmedabad/comments/1d6y9m0/no_pedestrian_crossing_on_sg_highway/ 2026-04-28 www.reddit.com. Reduced driver speeds helps ensure that drivers are more aware of pedestrian crossings and gives pedestrians a visually-designated zone to cross as opposed to jaywalking. The paintings were done near schools and accident-prone areas to help slow down drivers in the area, showing a deliberate implementation of the techniqueIndia Think Change Two women artists design 3D zebra crossing for pedestrian friendly roads https://yourstory.com/2016/05/3d-zebra-crossing 2026-04-28 yourstory.com en. Thakkar was contacted by IL&FS, a private infrastructure company, to implement the crosswalks on an accident-prone stretch of the Ahmedabad-Mehsana highwayMisra Tanvi March 30, 2016 Meet the Women Behind India's 3D 'Zebra' Crossings https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-30/meet-the-mother-daughter-duo-who-designed-india-s-3d-zebra-crossings live Bloomberg. Other than a vague acknowledgement from the Ahmedabadi government, there has not been a substantial effort by the Ahmedabad Municipal Transports Service to bolster the efforts of Pandya and Thakkar. They are further restricted in the implementation of these designs due to regulations by the roadworks authoritiesVijaykumar Neeti Mother-Daughter Duo Painted a 3D Zebra Crossing In Ahmedabad https://thebetterindia.com/48968/mother-daughter-road-safety-3d-painted-zebra-crossing-ahmedabad/ 2026-04-28 thebetterindia.com en. However, the innovation drew national attention, with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) conducting research on the effects of the paintings. They found that speed reductions ranged between 1.6% and 20.3%, with the larger reductions being that of trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles. This was primarily attributed to the higher vantage points of these larger vehicles, giving them a better view of the crosswalk and further enhancing the optical illusion. Combined with the larger breaking distance required for heavier vehicles, they are prone to slowing down more at these crosswalks2016-06-09 Illusion that works: 3D way to curb accidents The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/illusion-that-works-3d-way-to-curb-accidents/articleshow/52662981.cms? 2026-04-28 0971-8257. Additionally, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has allocated 20 crore rupees, or 2.1 million USD, to fixing over 100 traffic crossings, emphasizing an overall prioritization of making these crosswalks safer2026-03-17 Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation approves Rs 20 crore plan to fix 133 chaotic junctions The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/hmedabad-municipal-corporation-approves-rs-20-crore-plan-to-fix-133-chaotic-junctions/articleshow/129617560.cms? 2026-04-28 0971-8257. There are very few firsthand accounts of driver sentiments regarding the crosswalks. However, given the results of the research conducted by the CRRI, it can be concluded that drivers have heightened awareness of the crosswalks and are responding relatively positively. Additionally, the design of the painting ensures that the illusion is functional from a distance, and dissipates as drivers approach the crosswalk, minimizing “panic braking” and ensuring that drivers are also kept safeStuart 2017-10-18 3D advertising - magic eye zebra crossings https://michoncreative.co.uk/articles/3d-advertising-magic-eye-zebra-crossings/ 2026-04-28 Michon Ltd en-GB. Existing Solutions Efforts to improve road safety and pedestrian conditions in Ahmedabad span three broad categories: traffic calming measures, pedestrian infrastructure, and traffic flow optimization. Each approach addresses a distinct dimension of the city's road safety crisis, and together they reflect both the progress made and the gaps that remain. Traffic Calming Traffic calming encompasses physical and visual measures designed to reduce vehicle speeds without requiring large-scale infrastructure investment. The most prominent local innovation is the 3D zebra crossing, pioneered in Ahmedabad by artists Saumya Pandya Thakkar and Shakuntala Pandya. By painting optical illusions directly onto the asphalt, the crossings create the appearance of a raised blockade, prompting drivers to slow down. Research by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) confirmed speed reductions of 1.6% to 20.3%, with the greatest effect observed among heavy commercial vehicles due to their elevated vantage pointsBetts Jordan 2019-06-26 "How is the metro's first 3D crosswalk working? Neighbors say it helps some" https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kcks-3d-crosswalk-credited-for-reducing-traffic 2026-05-04 KSHB 41 Kansas City News . The concept has since been adopted in cities around the world, with results broadly consistent with those observed in Ahmedabad. In New Delhi, authorities reported that average vehicle speeds at 3D crosswalk locations dropped from 50 km/h to 30 km/h following installation2016-09-18 "The First 3D Zebra Crossing Was a Rousing Success & Now There Are Plans For 40 More!" https://so.city/delhi/article/the-first-3d-zebra-crossing-was-a-rousing-success-now-there-are-plans-for-40-more 2026-05-04 So City . In Europe, the fishing town of Ísafjörður, Iceland became the first to deploy the design in 2017, after its environmental commissioner sought alternatives to traditional speed bumps, which studies had linked to increased air pollution and driver complaints about vehicle damage 2021-09-30 Managing urban traffic: 3D zebra crossings spread across Europe - Eurocities https://eurocities.eu/stories/managing-urban-traffic-3d-zebra-crossings-spread-across-europe/ 2026-05-04 eurocities.eu . In Kansas City, Kansas, a 3D crosswalk was installed near a school in a residential neighborhood prone to speeding, and residents reported that the design helped slow drivers, though they noted that additional traffic calming measures were still needed. A broader academic evaluation of decorative pavement markings at pedestrian crosswalks found that speed reductions ranged from 1.89 km/h to 4.41 km/h across twelve study sites, with vehicle-pedestrian crashes reduced by approximately 25%Rebelo Francisco Evaluation of 3D Crosswalks Design https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325961246_Evaluation_of_3D_Crosswalks_Design ResearchGate. One recurring limitation noted across deployments is durability: the Kansas City crosswalk faded significantly within two years, and the city indicated it would only repaint if the design proved effective at slowing trafficKansas City, KS - 3D Crosswalk (Gone) https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/64102 2026-05-05 RoadsideAmerica.com en. This echoes the broader concern that the novelty effect of optical illusion markings may diminish as local drivers habituate to them over time. Complementing painted interventions, Ahmedabad installed 339 speed humps across the city in just 17 months, a rapid and low-cost deployment that reflects the city's broader prioritization of accessible safety measures. However, speed humps carry their own drawbacks: they can impede emergency vehicles, damage low-clearance vehicles if poorly designed, and face political resistance when proposed on high-capacity arterial roads. Pedestrian Infrastructure Ahmedabad's pedestrian infrastructure reveals a stark gap between need and provision. As of 2026, only 731 of the city's 2,634 km of roads have sidewalks, leaving 72% of the network without footpathsMedians and Pedestrian Refuge Islands in Urban and Suburban Areas U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/medians-and-pedestrian-refuge-islands-urban-and-suburban-areas. In response, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) allocated Rs. 20 crore to repair over 100 traffic intersections. Five foot overbridges (FOBs) currently exist, providing grade-separated crossings that fully eliminate pedestrian-vehicle conflict on high-speed corridors. An additional six FOBs are planned as part of the SP Ring Road upgrade. For wide arterial roads where full-grade separation is not feasible, pedestrian refuge islands offer a proven middle-ground solution. Research by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration found that installing raised refuge islands at marked crosswalks reduced pedestrian crashes by 46%, and by 39% at unmarked locations2010-01-01 Safety Benefits of Raised Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Areas https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/ 2026-05-05 rosap.ntl.bts.gov English. By allowing pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time, refuge islands are especially well-suited to Ahmedabad's four-to-six lane arterials, where crossing the full road width in a single phase poses significant risk. Traffic Flow Optimization Beyond speed reduction, managing how traffic moves through and around Ahmedabad is critical to reducing conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians. Signal coordination, commonly referred to as a green wave, times traffic lights so that drivers traveling at the posted speed limit encounter a cascade of green signals along a corridor. Studies show this approach reduces CO2, NOx, and PM10 emissions while cutting unnecessary stops that contribute to erratic and aggressive driving behaviorGreen wave 2026-03-23 https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Green_wave&oldid=1344984912 Wikipedia 2026-05-05 en. Crucially, it requires no new construction, only signal reprogramming. At a larger scale, Ahmedabad has pursued traffic separation through flyovers, underpasses, and ring roads to divert through-traffic away from dense urban areas. Between 2010 and 2026, 46 such structures were built, with 25 more planned over the next decade. The 76 km Sardar Patel Ring Road, currently being upgraded to six lanes, is designed to reduce the volume of vehicles cutting through the city core. While these infrastructure investments address congestion on major corridors, their impact on local pedestrian safety on the side streets and arterials that feed into them remains dependent on complementary measures such as sidewalk expansion and safer crossing design. References