Jana Urban Space Foundation
The Pitch
Jana Urban Space Foundation developed the Tender Specifications for Urban Roads Execution (Tender S.U.R.E) guidelines and used them to transform dangerous roads in Bengaluru into easily accessible and safe roads for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Problem
Bengaluru’s low-quality roads and poorly designed intersections were dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users, and needed constant repair, exacerbating unsafe road conditions and high maintenance costs. The city’s existing road maintenance process was disruptive, often requiring roads to be dug up and traffic blocked.
The Process
- Created guidelines for pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly road design that requires minimal repairs
- Developed a new road design model that emphasizes creation of footpaths, bike lanes and public spaces
- Incorporated the utility network into the road design model, organizing them beneath footpaths and creating access chambers, accompanied by a strict contract and operations and maintenance requirement
The Impact
- Designed 50 kilometers of improved roads: 20 kilometers of new roads were completed by 2020 and 30 more kilometers are under construction
- Improved mobility and road safety for active mobility users: Previously unsafe intersections now accommodate pedestrians and cyclists with smooth, continuous sidewalks and bike paths and refuge areas
- Improved mobility and road safety for vulnerable communities: People using wheelchairs and those pushing children in strollers can use ramps for easier passage between pathways and roads
- Created 2,475 square meters of public space via reclamation of four large intersections
- Provided safer road crossings for 100,000 school children
- Prompted buildings along the roads to invest in their appearance and attracted new construction, contributing to Bengaluru’s urban rejuvenation
- Inspired similar developments across the country: State and city governments across India have increased their fund allocation for road development projects, and other Indian cities have adopted the Tender S.U.R.E model to create walkable conditions
