Navigating Walkability in Indian Urban Spaces from a Sample of Campus Users

This research paper explores the intricate dynamics of street perception on a bustling Indian thoroughfare surrounding an educational setting, with the aim of uncovering the challenges faced by campus users. With the exponential growth of cities around educational campuses, there is a pressing need to study walkability in such settings. These areas often witness a concentration of commercial establishments and eateries, thriving on the heavy foot traffic generated by students. The study is based on a primary survey conducted with 300 university students and staff, exploring their perspectives on five key aspects of the streets surrounding university campuses: land use mix, pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetics, traffic safety, and crime safety. The primary objective is to gain a comprehensive insight into the issues faced by the user population and to propose actionable regulatory and design interventions that address pedestrian and traffic challenges effectively. Using principal component analysis (PCA) for data analysis, the research uncovers correlations and highlights critical insights into the prioritization of needs of the users. Empirically, the results indicate that convenience ranks as the top priority for respondents, followed by safety and pleasurability. This study is significant for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders engaged in the development of India’s built environment. By leveraging insights from street perception analysis, especially around educational settings, they can devise informed strategies that enhance the livability, safety, and functionality of urban streetscapes for users so that streets can handle the high pedestrian traffic. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse on a neglected area of research such as Indian thoroughfare surrounding an educational setting advocating for user-centric approaches that prioritize pedestrians’ needs and experiences in shaping the walkable environment.