Odisha Draft Pedestrian Safety Rules 2026 Mandate Footpaths, Section 198A Action

AP Pedestrian Safety Policy 2026: SC Recognises Right to Walk, 36,526 Pedestrian Deaths in 2024, Section 198A Fine

The Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right. Andhra Pradesh became the first state to notify a pedestrian safety policy, mandating audits, removal of encroachments, and a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 198A MV Act for infrastructure failure causing death. With 1 in 5 road deaths being pedestrians (36,526 in 2024), this policy is a landmark for urban governance and social justice.

U.P. Launches 'Jal Sarthi' App to Track Rural Water Supply Projects, Over 1.2 Lakh Downloads

Uttar Pradesh launched the 'Jal Sarthi' mobile app in May 2026 to enable real-time monitoring of rural water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission. With over 1.2 lakh downloads within days, the app provides village-level data on drinking water schemes, household tap connections, and infrastructure status, promoting transparency and citizen engagement. This is a key example of state-level digital governance initiatives.

Delhi Cabinet Approves Private Universities Bill, MPD-2047 Allows FAR 180 & Residential Schools

Delhi government has approved a draft Private Universities Bill and notified MPD-2047, allowing residential schools, removing height restrictions on educational buildings, and increasing FAR to 180. These changes aim to optimize land use and expand education infrastructure in land-constrained Delhi. Students should note key data points like FAR limits, floor calculations, and Narela education hub expansion for prelims.

Andhra Pradesh Notifies First Pedestrian Safety Policy: 35,221 Deaths in 2023, 2m Footpaths, ₹1 Lakh Penalty

Andhra Pradesh becomes first state to notify a comprehensive Pedestrian Safety and Universal Accessibility Policy, 2026, following Supreme Court directions. The policy mandates 2m footpaths, at-grade crossings, penalties up to ₹1 lakh for non-compliance, and aims to reduce pedestrian fatalities which accounted for 20.4% of road deaths in 2023.

Karnataka Parks & BMLTA Amendments Shield Tunnel Road Project; 5% Park Land Use Allowed

The Karnataka government has passed two controversial bills amending the Parks (Preservation) Act and the BMLTA Act, which critics allege are designed to shield the Chief Minister's pet Tunnel Road project from three pending PILs in court. The amendments allow the state to use 5% of protected park land for public infrastructure and grant retrospective approval to projects initiated between 2022-2026, potentially bypassing legal scrutiny.

Delhi Winter Action Plan: BS-VI Entry Curbs, 50% WFH, Construction Ban Nov 1-Jan 31

Delhi has formalized a permanent winter action plan with vehicle curbs (BS-VI entry restriction), 50% work-from-home mandate, construction bans, and doubled parking charges from November 1. This institutionalized approach under CAQM marks a shift from reactive to proactive pollution management, a key theme for environment and governance exams.

DDA Approves Master Plan Delhi 2047: Land Pooling, GDA Policy, 3,500 Hectares Unauthorised

DDA has approved the Master Plan for Delhi-2047, ending a five-year delay and setting Delhi's 20-year framework for housing, transport and green spaces. The plan focuses on land pooling, GDA policy, TOD and regularisation of unauthorised colonies amid a severe affordable housing crunch. For exams, remember the approval body, the 1957 Act, and the housing data: affordable supply fell from 62% to 11%, luxury share hit 70%.

Railway Board Approves MRTS-Chennai Metro Merger: 2-Year Transition, 21 Stations Handed Over

After a 15-year wait since the proposal in 2011, the Railway Board has approved the merger of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). This marks a major urban infrastructure reform in Chennai, involving a two-year transition, handover of 21 stations, and creation of a special committee for oversight.