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Draft Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026 | Commerce & Transport Department

DRAFT ODISHA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY RULES, 2026

Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha – Draft Notification Dated 24.09.2026

Issuing Authority Commerce & Transport Department, Odisha

Draft Date 24th September 2026

Status Draft Notification

Effective From Date of Final Gazette Publication

Focus Area

Pedestrian Safety

Non-Motorised Transport (NMT)

Minimum Clear Walkway

1.5 meters

During construction phase

School Zone Speed Limit

25 km/h

Urban roads (up to 40 km/h on highways)

Compliance Timeline

3 Years

For existing roads to comply

Chapter 1 & 2 – Short Title, Commencement & Definitions

Short Title: These rules may be called the "Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026".
Commencement: They shall come into force on the date of their final publication in the Odisha Gazette.
Key Definitions: The rules define various terms including Arterial Road, Sub-Arterial Road, Collector Street, Local Street, At-grade pedestrian crossing, Grade-separated pedestrian facility, Footpath/footway, Non-motorized transport (NMT), Pedestrian, Pedestrian crossing, Refuge Island, Right of Way (ROW), Road Owning Agency, School Zone, Transit access area, Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), Vision Obstruction, Tactile paving, Road marking, Lux, and Encroachment.
Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs): Includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Chapter 3 – NMT & Pedestrian Infrastructure Standards (Section A–J)

A. Implementing & Monitoring Agencies

Road Owning Agency is the Implementing Agency. Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairperson, STA is the State Monitoring Agency. District Road Safety Committee is the District Monitoring Agency.

B. Design Principles & Minimum Standards

Convenience, safety, universal accessibility and comfort of pedestrians/NMT users shall guide planning, design and maintenance. Pedestrian facilities must be included at the design and DPR stage. Reduction of pedestrian space only as a last resort with recorded reasons.

C. Footpaths & Pedestrian Movement

Continuous footpaths on both sides of urban arterial/sub-arterial roads. Minimum temporary clear passage of 1.5 meters during construction. Priority to school zones, hospital zones, markets, bus stops and high-crash locations.

D. Pedestrian Crossings & Intersections

At-grade crossings preferred in urban areas. Grade-separated facilities on high-speed corridors. Crossings spaced at intervals not exceeding 150 meters in high pedestrian activity areas. Refuge islands provided where warranted.

E. Bus Stops, Transit Access Areas & Public Transport Integration

Safe pedestrian approaches and crossings near bus stops. Adequate waiting space, seating, shelter, lighting, signage and barrier-free access. Footpaths connected to transit hubs for first-mile and last-mile connectivity.

F. School Zones, Hospital Zones & Vulnerable-User Priority Areas

Maximum speed limit within school zones: 25 km/h (urban) and up to 40 km/h (highways). Footpaths not less than 2.5 meters in high pedestrian-volume areas. Traffic wardens/marshals where required.

G. Pedestrian-only & NMT Zones

Designation of pedestrian-only zones, NMT-only zones, greenways or shared streets. Motorized vehicles prohibited except emergency and authorized vehicles. Includes physical measures, markings, signage and lighting.

H. Visibility, Illumination & Maintenance

Adequate lighting at footpaths, crossings, bus stops and other facilities. Footpaths 40-50 lux; crossings up to 80 lux; grade-separated facilities 100-150 lux. No obstruction of sight lines.

I. Prohibition of Encroachment & Vehicular Use

No person shall place goods, debris, structures or obstructions on footpaths, crossings, kerb ramps, cycle tracks. No motor vehicle shall be driven, parked, stopped or repaired on footpaths. Street vending regulated per the Street Vendors Act, 2014.

J. Responsibilities of Drivers & Riders

Reduce speed near crossings and school zones. Stop behind stop lines. Yield right of way to pedestrians. No overtaking at pedestrian crossings. Minimum 1.5 meters lateral clearance for cyclists. No driving on footpaths/cycle tracks.

Operational, Audit & Enforcement Responsibilities (Sections K–Q)

K. Operational Responsibilities: Every Implementing Agency shall maintain an inventory of pedestrian infrastructure, identify high-risk locations, conduct periodic inspections, and rectify deficiencies within prescribed timelines.
L. Pedestrian Infrastructure Audit: Mandatory audits in the format prescribed in Schedule II. First phase prioritises locations with pedestrian injuries/deaths in the preceding 2-3 years. Signed compliance declaration by Engineer-in-Charge and Contractor required for every road project.
M. Enforcement & Monitoring: Traffic Police, Transport Department and ULBs to undertake enforcement drives. E-enforcement through CCTV, ANPR, speed cameras permitted. State Monitoring Agency to compile annual compliance report.
N. Public Grievance Redressal: Every Implementing Agency to establish online/mobile grievance mechanism. Grievances to be disposed within 30 days. Appeal to District Monitoring Agency, then State Monitoring Agency.
O. Public Awareness & Education: Awareness campaigns on pedestrian safety, safe crossing behaviour, school zone safety and respect for pedestrian right of way.
P. Penalties & Consequences: Contravention punishable under Sections 177, 201, 210B of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Section 198A may apply where deficient road standards cause death/disability. Withholding of payment, liquidated damages, blacklisting of contractors possible.
Q. Transitional Provisions: Existing roads to be brought into compliance within 3 years. High-risk locations to be taken up on priority. Nothing in this Chapter affects any action taken under MV Act, 1988 or other laws.

Schedule I – Indicative Technical Standards

Footpath Continuity

Continuous, connected, obstruction-free walking route across property accesses, intersections and bus stops.

IRC:103; MoHUA Harmonized Guidelines

Clear Walking Zone

Obstruction-free clear width as per IRC standard; temporary construction-stage passage not less than 1.5 m.

IRC:103; MoRTH/IRC work-zone safety guidance

Footpath Level

Preferably raised from carriageway with safe kerb height, drainage and ramps at crossings and accesses.

IRC:103

Surface Quality

Even, firm, non-slippery, well-drained, free from broken slabs/open drains and usable in all weather.

IRC:103; MoHUA Guidelines

Kerb Ramps

Provide at crossings, property accesses, bus stops and other pedestrian transition points with accessible gradients.

IRC:103; MoHUA Guidelines

Tactile Paving

Warning tiles at ramps, crossings, obstacles and property entrances; guiding tiles in wide footpaths/public spaces/transit areas.

IRC:103; IRC: SP:117; MoHUA Guidelines

Zebra Crossing Width

Minimum 2 m; 4 m or more at high pedestrian volume locations as per site conditions.

IRC:103; IRC:35

Illumination

Footpaths 40-50 lux; crossings up to 80 lux; grade-separated facilities 100-150 lux where feasible.

IS:1944; IRC/MoHUA guidance

School Zone Treatment

Gateway treatment, speed limits, advance warning, raised crossings/speed tables, markings and safe pick-up/drop-off.

IRC:103; IRC:99; IRC:67

Schedule III – Indicative Rectification Timelines

Immediate – High Risk

Open drains, broken slabs, missing kerb ramps, faded zebra at fatal/injury locations, obstruction forcing pedestrians into carriageway.

7 to 30 days

Short-Term

Signage, lighting, stop line restoration, repainting of crossings, encroachment drives, temporary barricading and channelisation.

Up to 3 months

Medium-Term

Footpath continuity, refuge islands, raised crossings, junction channelisation, bus stop access improvement, school zone gateway treatment.

3 to 6 months

Programmatic Capital Works

Complete street retrofits, major utility relocation, grade-separated facilities, corridor-wide redevelopment and major drainage works.

Up to 12 months

Long-Term Network Compliance

Bringing existing road network into full compliance after prioritising high-risk locations.

Within 3 years

Important Points to Note

Draft Rules: The Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026 are draft rules open for final publication in the Odisha Gazette.
Purpose: To ensure safe, convenient and accessible pedestrian and NMT infrastructure across the State.
Implementing Agencies: Road Owning Agencies including Works Dept, RD Dept, H&UD Dept, ULBs, Development Authorities, NHAI and others.
State Monitoring Agency: Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairperson, State Transport Authority, Odisha.
District Monitoring Agency: District Road Safety Committee.
Minimum Standards: As per Schedule I, including 1.5 m clear walking zone, 2 m zebra crossing width, 40-50 lux footpath illumination.
School Zone Speed Limit: 25 km/h on urban roads; up to 40 km/h on highways.
Audit Requirement: Mandatory pedestrian infrastructure audits; signed compliance declaration by Engineer-in-Charge and Contractor.
Penalties: Under Sections 177, 201, 210B of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; Section 198A for deficient road standards.
Compliance Timeline: Existing roads to comply within 3 years; high-risk locations prioritised.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026?

The Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026 are draft rules issued by the Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, to ensure safe, convenient and accessible pedestrian and non-motorized transport (NMT) infrastructure across the State.

When will these rules come into force?

The rules shall come into force on the date of their final publication in the Odisha Gazette.

Who are the Implementing Agencies?

Road Owning Agencies are the Implementing Agencies, including the Works Department, Rural Development Department, Housing & Urban Development Department, Urban Local Bodies, Development Authorities, NHAI and other notified agencies.

Who is the State Monitoring Agency?

The Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairperson, State Transport Authority, Odisha is the State Monitoring Agency for implementation.

What is the minimum clear walking zone during construction?

A minimum temporary clear pedestrian passage of 1.5 meters shall be maintained during construction, maintenance or utility works.

What is the speed limit in school zones?

The maximum permissible speed within school zones shall ordinarily not exceed 25 km/h on urban roads and rural built-up roads. On highways, the speed limit may be specified up to 40 km/h subject to traffic calming measures.

What is the illumination requirement for footpaths and crossings?

Footpaths require 40-50 lux, crossings up to 80 lux, and grade-separated facilities 100-150 lux where feasible.

Are pedestrian infrastructure audits mandatory?

Yes. Every Implementing Agency shall conduct pedestrian infrastructure audits in the format prescribed in Schedule II. A signed compliance declaration by the Engineer-in-Charge and Contractor is required for every road construction, upgradation and maintenance project.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Contravention is punishable under Sections 177, 201, 210B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Section 198A may apply where deficient road standards cause or contribute to death, disability or injury. Contractors may face withholding of payment, liquidated damages, or blacklisting.

What is the timeline for existing roads to comply?

Existing roads shall be progressively brought into compliance within three years from the date of final publication, subject to availability of land, funds, technical feasibility and prioritization based on risk. High-risk locations shall be taken up on priority.

How can the public file a grievance?

Every Implementing Agency shall establish an online and mobile-enabled public grievance redressal mechanism. Grievances shall be disposed of within 30 days. An appeal shall lie before the District Monitoring Agency, and then the State Monitoring Agency.

What is the penalty for parking or driving on footpaths?

Driving, riding, stopping or parking a motor vehicle on footpaths, pedestrian zones or crossings is punishable under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The offending vehicle may be removed or towed in accordance with law.