Mysuru: In a unique demonstration of community participation in urban planning, civil society groups, residents, caregivers, students and environmental organisation Greenpeace India joined hands on Sunday to symbolically reclaim the Bogadi Road Junction near the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) as a safer and more inclusive public space.
The initiative was organised to highlight the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure and safer road-crossing arrangements at the busy junction, which is frequently used by patients, caregivers and students visiting AIISH.
Participants said the action was intended to draw attention to the everyday challenges faced by pedestrians, especially persons with disabilities, while navigating the stretch.
Zebra crossing and ‘empathy line’ painted
As part of the community action, participants painted a zebra crossing at the junction and marked an “empathy line” along the Bogadi Road stretch as well as the road leading towards Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE).
The empathy line symbolically indicates the space required for pedestrians and persons with disabilities to move safely and comfortably along the road.
Activists said the initiative aimed to reclaim the street as a shared public space where pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can coexist safely.
Residents noted that the junction sees heavy traffic throughout the day, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross the road, particularly during peak hours.
Design suggestions submitted to authorities
Citizen groups also formally submitted their design recommendations to the authorities as the city administration is preparing to undertake white-topping work on the Bogadi Road stretch.
Activists believe the upcoming infrastructure work presents a timely opportunity to incorporate pedestrian-friendly design elements such as safe crossings, accessible footpaths and clear signage.
Selomi Garnaik of Greenpeace India said that infrastructure projects should integrate people-led ideas that prioritise safety and accessibility.
She emphasised that such measures can significantly improve mobility for vulnerable groups including children, elderly persons and individuals with disabilities.
Experts highlight importance of inclusive planning
Champa, director of the Mysuru School of Architecture, said the initiative demonstrates how urban planning can meaningfully respond to everyday needs when communities actively participate in the design process.
She suggested that authorities consider implementing a traffic signal system that allows vehicles to stop on all four sides for about 20 seconds at a time.
According to her, such a system would enable pedestrians to cross the road safely without facing pressure from continuous traffic movement.
Urban planners say such pedestrian-friendly traffic systems are widely used in several cities to improve safety at busy intersections.
Civic groups call for quick and practical solutions
Speaking on behalf of various civic groups, Roy Joseph of Mysore Grahakara Parishat urged the authorities to introduce practical and low-cost solutions that can be implemented quickly.
He said such measures would provide immediate relief to parents and children who frequently visit AIISH for treatment and therapy.
Roy Joseph emphasised that the junction remains particularly challenging for persons with hearing and speech disabilities who visit the institute regularly.
Patients and caregivers highlight daily challenges
Local users of the road also shared their concerns about the lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure.
Rathna, a caregiver who visits AIISH for her daughter’s treatment, said crossing the road during busy hours can be extremely difficult and risky.
She said the installation of proper crossings, traffic signals and pedestrian-friendly measures would greatly help families visiting the institute.
Conclusion
The symbolic action at the Bogadi Road Junction has highlighted the importance of inclusive urban planning and community participation in infrastructure development.
As Mysuru prepares to undertake road improvement work in the area, civic groups hope the authorities will consider their suggestions and introduce safer, more accessible road designs that benefit all users.