Evaluating the Impact of IRC:103-Compliant Pedestrian Infrastructure on Safety and Walkability: A Case Study of Geeta Bhawan Square, Indore

Abstract

In Indian cities, pedestrian safety and walkability remain critical urban challenges despite the availability of comprehensive design standards such as IRC:103-2012. This research examines the pedestrian infrastructure at Geeta Bhawan Square, Indore, a high-conflict urban intersection characterised by intense foot traffic and vehicular activity. The study evaluates existing pedestrian conditions in relation to IRC:103 guidelines and assesses their impact on pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS), safety outcomes, and perceived comfort. Using a mixed-methods approach, including physical audits, observational mapping, and stakeholder interviews, the study reveals widespread noncompliance across key IRC criteria: footpath width, surface continuity, refuge islands, and curb ramps. Analysis of five years of traffic crash data indicates an average of 11 pedestrian-involved accidents annually at or near the junction. Findings also show that the absence of designated pedestrian crossings and inconsistent curb heights contribute significantly to unsafe pedestrian behaviour, such as mid-block crossing and signal avoidance. Based on these insights, the study provides design recommendations aligned with IRC:103 and suggests policy-level changes to institutionalize walkability in Indore’s broader mobility framework. The research highlights the urgent need for pedestrian-centric intersection design, especially in rapidly urbanising mid-sized Indian cities.