Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities (First Revision)
2012 Edition

IRC 103 stipulates minimum widths and heights for pedestrian pathways depending on land use types. Residential or mixed-use areas require a minimum clear width of 1.8 meters, commercial or mixed-use zones 2.5 meters, shopping frontages between 3.5 and 4.5 meters, bus stop areas 3 meters, and high-activity commercial areas 4 meters. Footpaths must provide accessible grade transitions and maintain firm, slip-resistant surfaces. Obstructions should be placed on one side to ensure an unobstructed walkway with kerb ramps and continuity for ease of access.

IRC 103 mandates inclusive pedestrian infrastructure that caters to persons with disabilities and mobility aids by specifying minimum passage widths for different user types such as stick or walker users, double crutch users, wheelchair users, and those with visual impairments. Facilities cover key locations including roads, intersections, transit points, markets, and schools. The code prescribes turning circle dimensions for various wheelchair types and recommends non-slip materials, tactile paving in bright colors, high-contrast signage, and audio signals, ensuring safe, accessible, and comfortable pedestrian environments.

IRC 103 recommends footpaths be constructed from non-slip or matt finish tiles, interlocking paving tiles, sandblasted or unpolished stones, checkered tiles, or pavement quality concrete, avoiding polished stone surfaces due to slipperiness. Kerb ramps should utilize anti-skid tiles with tactile paving and exposed cement concrete, also avoiding polished finishes. Tactile paving must be made from vitrified unglazed pavers in bright contrasting colors like canary yellow, while metal pavers with dull or slippery finishes are discouraged. Surfaces must be firm and even with appropriate drainage and alignment to facilitate wheelchair movement.

Pedestrian crossings near schools should be located within neighborhoods away from heavy traffic arterials. Design must include safe routes with clear signage, signals, and adult supervision. Crossings should have a minimum width of 1800 mm, with central islands at least 2 meters wide to shorten crossing distances and separate opposing traffic. Raised table-top crossings are mandatory on busy multilane roads near schools. Control measures include traffic signals with exclusive pedestrian phases when pedestrian-vehicle conflicts are high. Additional safety features encompass clearly marked drop-off zones, use of traffic marshals, and accessible push button locations.

IRC 103 advises placing fixed obstructions like poles, trees, bins, and signage on a single side of the footpath to maintain a clear walking corridor. Informal vendors should be accommodated by designating specific areas adjacent to the footpath, preferably near carriageways or parking bays, separated visually but without elevation changes to allow smooth pedestrian flow. Vendor spaces should use materials compatible with footpaths and allow access via mountable kerbs or ramps. The clear pedestrian passage must be maintained with adequate width, typically 1500 mm for wheelchair users plus ambulant persons, ensuring safety and comfort without impeding vendor activities.