Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea for FOB Near Zoo
In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has made a decision regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition requesting the construction of a foot over bridge (FOB) or an underpass near the National Zoological Park on Mathura Road. Alternatively, the plea suggested installing a 20-second traffic light at the Sher Shah Road intersection to improve pedestrian safety in the area. The bench, composed of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, has dismissed the petition, emphasizing the importance of leaving matters concerning urban traffic planning to experts.
The petitioner highlighted the challenges faced by pedestrians due to the lack of a traffic signal along the stretch, pointing out that the nearest FOB was situated at a considerable distance near Sundar Nagar. Despite these concerns, the court referenced an approved integrated development plan by the central and Delhi governments, which aims to transform the area into a signal-free zone through the implementation of tunnels, underpasses, and FOBs.
Approved Development Plan for Pedestrian Safety
Initially, the development plan proposed the construction of two FOBs—one at the zoo crossing and another near gate no. 6 of Bharat Mandapam. However, after careful feasibility assessments, only the FOB near the zoo’s petrol pump received approval. This decision took structural constraints and the presence of a site managed by the Archaeological Survey of India into consideration.
Upon reviewing the proposal, the bench remarked that the approval of only one FOB was based on meticulous planning and feasibility assessments. The court emphasized the importance of trusting the judgment of urban planners in determining the most suitable infrastructure modifications for improving pedestrian safety in the area.
In addressing the absence of traffic signals, the court stated that interference by the judiciary would be unnecessary if urban planners deemed a particular area as traffic light-free. Additionally, the Public Works Department had already implemented various pedestrian safety measures, such as zebra crossings, road studs, and signage, to enhance safety and minimize risks for pedestrians navigating the area.
