Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the State’s Transport Department to undertake comprehensive measures to make roads safer and more accessible for pedestrians under the flagship Saat Nischay 3 programme. The move is part of the government’s broader vision to improve everyday life for citizens through modern infrastructure, technology and responsive governance.

The decision was announced on February 21, 2026, as part of the seventh resolution of Saat Nischay 3, titled Sabka Samman Jiwan Aasaan meaning Respect for All Easy Life. The resolution focuses on ensuring dignity, convenience and safety for all sections of society, particularly vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.

A Renewed Focus on Pedestrian Rights

In a message posted on X, Nitish Kumar emphasised that walking safely and with dignity on the roads is the foremost right of pedestrians. He acknowledged that with rising incomes and increasing ownership of two wheelers and four wheelers, pedestrian movement has become more challenging in both urban and semi urban areas.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to identify crowded urban locations and prioritise the construction of proper footpaths. He also ordered the creation of zebra crossings at key intersections to ensure safe passage for people crossing busy roads.

This renewed focus on pedestrian infrastructure marks a shift toward inclusive urban planning in Bihar, where rapid motorisation has often outpaced safety measures.

The Framework of Saat Nischay 3

The pedestrian safety measures fall under the seventh resolution of Saat Nischay 3, a continuation of the State government’s flagship development initiative. Saat Nischay 3 was approved by the Cabinet on December 16, 2025, within a month of Nitish Kumar assuming office for his fifth consecutive term from 2025 to 2030.

The programme aims to transform Bihar into one of the country’s developed States over the next five years. It builds upon earlier phases that focused on electricity, drinking water, youth empowerment and infrastructure.

Sabka Samman Jiwan Aasaan highlights the government’s intention to combine modern technology, innovation and sensitive governance to make daily life smoother for citizens.

Identifying Black Spots and Reducing Accidents

One of the key directives issued to the Transport Department is the identification of accident prone black spots in both rural and urban areas. Black spots refer to locations where road accidents occur frequently due to design flaws, poor visibility, congestion or lack of safety measures.

Officials have been instructed to construct footpaths at these locations wherever necessary and install CCTV cameras for monitoring. The cameras will help authorities assess traffic patterns, monitor violations and identify causes of accidents.

By focusing on black spots, the government aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, which remain a concern in many parts of the State.

Infrastructure Upgrades for Pedestrians

The Chief Minister has also directed the construction of foot overbridges, underpasses and escalators at designated high traffic areas. Such infrastructure is especially important near railway stations, bus terminals, markets and educational institutions.

In many cities across India, pedestrian infrastructure often lags behind road expansion. Bihar’s move signals an effort to address this imbalance.

Officials have been asked to expedite implementation so that visible improvements can be achieved within a short timeframe.

Driver Sensitisation and Training

Apart from physical infrastructure, the government is focusing on behavioural change. The Transport Department has been instructed to provide training to all government and private vehicle drivers to sensitise them about pedestrians’ rights.

Driver training programmes are expected to include awareness about zebra crossings, speed limits near schools and hospitals, and the importance of yielding to pedestrians.

Experts say that improving road safety requires both infrastructure and behavioural reforms. Without responsible driving practices, even well designed roads can remain unsafe.

Growing Urbanisation and Vehicle Ownership

Bihar has witnessed a steady increase in vehicle ownership over the past decade. Rising incomes and expanding urban centres have led to higher demand for two wheelers and four wheelers.

While this reflects economic growth, it also creates new challenges in traffic management and road safety.

Pedestrians often face difficulties crossing roads due to heavy traffic and limited designated crossing points. The new measures aim to balance the needs of motorists and pedestrians.

Governance and Technology Integration

The Sabka Samman Jiwan Aasaan resolution emphasises the use of modern technology to improve governance. Installation of CCTV cameras and digital monitoring systems will help authorities collect data and respond quickly to issues.

Data driven planning is expected to guide future road safety policies. For instance, accident data from black spots can inform redesign of intersections or installation of traffic calming measures.

Such integration of technology reflects a broader governance trend toward evidence based policymaking.

Political Context

The announcement comes shortly after the NDA government returned to power in Bihar with a strong majority in November 2025. Nitish Kumar’s fifth consecutive term signals political continuity.

The swift approval and rollout of Saat Nischay 3 indicate the government’s intention to maintain momentum on development projects.

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