Jaipur: Though late, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is finally planning to widen the footpaths to provide safe and hassle-free movement for pedestrians. In this regard, a consultant has been appointed to carry out a survey of Tonk Road to widen the footpaths. A senior JDA engineer said, “Initially, after a survey the footpaths will be widened from Ajmeri Gate to Sanganer flyover. The firm will submit its survey within three months.” Currently the footpath on Tonk Road is 1.5 meters wide at many places. Officials explained that the road has been chosen to develop as a model road as both vehicular and pedestrian pressure is high here. “It is expected that footpaths will be widened by 2 meters. However, the road will also be reduced as there is no space to increase the width of the roads,” the engineer added. The JDA’s decision to develop footpaths has delighted the pedestrians. Vishal Godara, a teacher in government school said, “With the traffic congestion increasing every day, it is important to develop a proper plan to avoid accidents. Pedestrians and cyclists are always at the risk of being hit by a car or a heavy vehicle. Their safety should also be given due consideration.” The engineering wing will also seek assistance from the traffic department to get an estimate of the traffic plying on various routes. “As per the new rules, the actual height of the footpath from the road should be at least six to eight inches. However, on major roads two types of footpaths will be developed,” said the officials. An official said that recently a survey carried out by the Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) revealed that pedestrians and cyclists in the city are very unsafe. It was mentioned that pedestrians and cyclists travelling at night are not safe in the city. “The lights are erected in the middle of the roads on medians. Due to this pedestrians and cyclist are forced to travel on the roads making it risky,” the survey stated. Suggestions were made to provide lights near the footpaths. TNN