Pedestrian safety in Hyderabad is once again in the news after a viral social media post highlighted the poor condition of footpaths along the Musarambagh TV Tower stretch.
People could not navigate the damaged and obstructed walkways, and the government’s commitment to walkable streets was questioned, the post said.
The user who posted the post said “Pedestrian safety in Hyderabad is a joke” so citizens deserve proper pavements, rather than having to twist and turn around obstacles when walking. The images on the post show uneven pathways, encroachments, utility structures and broken pavements which make walking difficult for older people, children and people with disabilities.
The issue has reignited discussions about urban planning and pedestrian rights in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities. Although Hyderabad has seen a rapid expansion of its infrastructure over the last few years with flyovers, elevated corridors and road expansion projects, residents say pedestrian infrastructure has not been considered the same way.
For decades urban planners have argued that walkable cities improve safety, reduce traffic volumes and traffic congestion, improve urban life, and promote healthy living and public transportation. But damaged footpaths, damaged pavements, illegal parking, street vendors and poor maintenance continue to be common complaints in some parts of Hyderabad.
Well-designed pedestrian infrastructure should include continuous footpaths, ramps for differently-abled persons, well-drained streets, street lighting and safe crossings. These are such facilities that protect pedestrians but also make cities more sustainable and inclusive.
Residents have urged civic authorities to put pedestrian-friendly development ahead of vehicle traffic. Many also complain about the fact that even the newly developed roads don't have continuous sidewalks, and people must walk on busy roads next to speeding vehicles.
Pedestrians safety in Hyderabad is a JOKE. Govt is yet to realise that citizens deserve safe pavements. Look how one has to walk on this Musarambagh TV Tower stretch. You have to twist and turn and come out. Where are the footpaths? We will not change @GHMCOnline @TelanganaDGP pic.twitter.com/QrE2wmsiL1
— KALYANAM RAMA KRISHNA (@rk04vc) July 17, 2026
The viral post has generated strong responses across the Internet with several users posting similar stories as well as from different parts of Hyderabad. People wanted Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other civic bodies to do regular inspections of buildings and repair damaged walkways before accidents are caused.
Road safety advocates say that pedestrians still are the most vulnerable street users on road safety issues. With no proper footpaths, they are exposed to moving traffic and the risk of injury and fatalities in them is high. The development of pedestrian infrastructure is one of the key elements of smart city planning and sustainable urban mobility.
As Hyderabad continues to expand, citizens are craving infrastructure that serves them too, not just cars. The conversation generated by the Musarambagh incident is a reflection of the growing public awareness in the city that accessible, safe and uninterrupted footpaths are essential.
Whether the concerns raised through social media translate into real civic action will be meaningful remains to be seen.
But the pictures from Musarambagh have also served as a reminder that safe pavements are not just an option but a fundamental urban necessity, and safe pavements are not a luxury but a basic urban need.
