Odisha Drafts Rules Making Pedestrian Paths Mandatory on All Roads

BHUBANESWAR — The Odisha government has issued draft rules that would make pedestrian paths mandatory on all roads and hold road‑building contractors and engineers liable for deaths caused by faulty construction. The proposals were released by the state’s Department of Roads and Buildings on 26 September 2026 and were reported by several national outlets, including The Hindu, The Times of India, Hindustan Times and Inshorts.

Mandatory footpaths across the state

The draft rules, which are still under consultation, mandate that every public road in Odisha be equipped with a dedicated pedestrian path. The requirement applies to highways, arterial roads and local streets alike. According to the report in The Hindu, the rules would also set minimum width and design standards for the footpaths, ensuring that they are safe and accessible for all users.

Liability for road builders and engineers

In a move that could change the way road projects are executed, the draft rules propose that contractors and engineers be held criminally liable for pedestrian deaths that result from faulty construction. The Hindustan Times article notes that the rules would allow the state to prosecute engineers for negligence that leads to fatalities. The Inshorts report adds that the draft would also hold road builders accountable if a pedestrian death occurs due to a defect in the road structure.

Legal framework and enforcement

The rules would be enforced under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Road Transport and Safety Act. The Times of India piece reports that the draft includes a clause that allows the state to register a First Information Report (FIR) against any contractor or engineer found responsible for a pedestrian death. The rules also specify that the liability would be triggered only if the death is proven to be a direct consequence of a construction fault.

Context of pedestrian safety in Odisha

Odisha has recorded a high number of pedestrian fatalities in recent years. The state’s Department of Roads and Buildings has cited a rise in accidents involving pedestrians on roads lacking proper footpaths. The new draft rules aim to address this trend by ensuring that every road has a dedicated path and by creating a deterrent for negligent construction practices.

Government response and next steps

In a statement released by the Department of Roads and Buildings, officials said that the draft rules are part of a broader effort to improve road safety across the state. The statement also noted that the rules would be circulated to all road‑construction companies and engineering firms for feedback before final approval. The draft is expected to be forwarded to the state legislature for debate and possible enactment in the coming months.

Reactions from industry and civil society

While the draft has been welcomed by pedestrian safety advocates, some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the potential increase in litigation and project costs. The Times of India article reports that a spokesperson for the Odisha Road Builders Association said the rules could “complicate project timelines” if not implemented with clear guidelines.