THE ZEBRA CROSSING GETS A MAKEOVER

The Capital has got its first 3D zebra crossing that has been created with an effort to reduce the number of accidents

Delhi is often blamed for its bad traffic etiquettes. Be it the vehicles stopping way ahead of the zebra crossing at the red light or Jaywalkers running across the crossing when traffic is in full flow — everything earns the city a negative image.

In an attempt to ensure road safety, Delhi Street Art (DSA) and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) have come up with the Capital’s first ever 3D zebra crossing at Rajaji Marg, Chanakyapuri. “This is a first-of-its-kind experiment in Delhi,” says Yogesh Saini, founder and artist, DSA – which has executed the project. He adds, “It’s our initiative to reduce road accidents in the city. The idea is to make pedestrians crossing the road, more visible to vehicle users, so that they stop well ahead of the red light and allow the pedestrians to cross safely.”

Right from its ideation to the final touch, it took a 10-member team of artists from DSA and NDMC workers, over 72 hours to complete this project.

“We made two separate designs for this crossing,” says Saini informing, “Each of the designs was made keeping in mind the road layout, traffic flow and direction. We wanted to make is look aesthetic as well as be functional at the same time.”

The initiative, however, is a trial and the team is hoping for a positive public opinion, before they come up with similar zebra crossings. Neeraj Vaid, project co-ordinator, says, “Before we decide to make more of these, NDMC will gather feedback on it’s usage during night visibility, with the help of Delhi Traffic Police (DTP).” The process, he says, will take about three weeks.

Some pedestrians have found the crossings quite interesting and innovative. “We need new ways to ensure safe driving practices,” says Mehul Tyagi, a student. “These initiatives will only prove beneficial if people understand the importance of following road rules, ”says Kuldeep Singh, sub-inspector, DTP.

This is a first-of-its-kind experiment in Delhi. It’s our initiative to reduce road accidents YOGESH SAINI, ARTIST Before we decide to make more of these, NDMC will gather feedback on it’s usage during night NEERAJ VAID, PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR These initiatives will only prove beneficial if people understand the importance of following rules KULDEEP SINGH, COP

PHOTOS COURTESY :DELHI STREET ART Delhi Police officers at the 3D Zebra crossing; The 3D zebra crossing being painted (top)