The Impacts of New Footpaths on Mode Choice In Chennai

This study presents evidence that improved footpaths are a highly cost-effective means to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), improving public health, saving money for residents, and improving public safety in cities in lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs). To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate this connection empirically. Using data collected in Chennai, India, in 2019, we found that between 9% and 29% of people walking on improved footpaths would have used a private motorized mode if the footpaths had not been improved. As a result, we estimate that between 4,200 tonnes and 12,000 tonnes of CO2 -equivalent greenhouse gas emissions are prevented annually thanks to the footpath improvements. This is equivalent to taking about 1,000 to 2,900 cars off the road for one year.