The Supreme Court’s recent “Right to Walk” judgment feels like a landmark victory for the everyday commuter. However, as a person running a pedestrian advocacy non-profit, I view this milestone with measured scepticism born of years of experience, not cynicism.

Take Mumbai as a case study. The city has boasted a "Pedestrian First Policy" since 2014 and a "Universal Footpath Policy" since 2023. Nationally, meticulous Indian Roads Congress guidelines — updated in 2012 and 2022 — explicitly prescribe what walkable infrastructure should look like, down to footpath widths along with hawker and parking integration. High Courts have even ruled these guidelines mandatory. Yet, walking conditions on our streets have not improved.