India continues to face a severe road safety crisis, with over 170,000 people killed each year - making it one of the world’s most affected nations. Uttar Pradesh bears the biggest burden of road crash fatalities, with 22,595 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Among districts, Unnao suffered 510 lives that same year.
To address this urgent issue, SaveLIFE Foundation, with the support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Hindustan Unilever Limited, has initiated Uttar Pradesh’s first-ever Tactical Urbanism (TU) trial at the Dahi Chowki intersection in Unnao. The aim is to create a replicable model to reduce fatalities on intersections in the district.
The Dahi Chowki intersection is situated on NH-27, which serves as a critical transport link connecting the major UP districts of Kanpur and Lucknow. This junction forms a Y-intersection, where a minor road from Purwa village converges with the highway, creating a focal point for traffic. According to government data, the Dahi Chowki intersection has witnessed 16 road crashes and 9 deaths from 2021 to 2024.
The area is a bustling mixed-use zone, with a blend of industries, educational institutions, and markets nearby. Notable landmarks include the Government Polytechnic Unnao and Kendriya Vidyalaya Unnao, both of which attract significant pedestrian traffic. Additionally, a large migrant labour population working in the surrounding industries resides in nearby villages, further contributing to the heavy footfall at this intersection. The presence of shops, eateries, and vegetable vendors at the junction caters to the diverse needs of the local population, resulting in increased pedestrian activity, especially during peak hours.
The TU trial, launched on March 26, 2025, was attended by Unnao District Magistrate Mr Gaurang Rathi; Superintendent of Police, Unnao, Mr Deepak Bhuker; senior officials from PWD and NHAI, along with the SaveLIFE team.
TU trials by SaveLIFE Foundation aim to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities in areas with high traffic volumes. These trials are temporary, quick, and relatively low-cost interventions to redesign spaces and improve road safety for everyone, especially the vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and those using non-motorised transport.
An essential component of TU trials is road space redistribution to ensure modal equity, along with road geometrics modification, traffic channelisation, speed reduction measures, and the addition of infrastructure to protect pedestrians and cyclists. These interventions are carefully documented through a comparison of ‘before’ and ‘after’ data. Once their effectiveness is proven, the relevant government agencies are expected to make these changes permanent.
Addressing the event, District Magistrate Mr Rathi said, “The Tactical Urbanism trial at the Dahi Chowki intersection in Unnao is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, particularly for the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. This trial, which proposes on-ground engineering improvements, will also serve as a foundation for sustainable, data-driven solutions aimed at reducing fatalities throughout the district. We appreciate the district’s partnership with SaveLIFE Foundation in bringing this initiative to life.”
Speaking about the Tactical Urbanism, Mr Bhuker, Superintendent of Police, Unnao, said, “The Tactical Urbanism trial at Dahi Chowki aims to foster a culture of safe road usage by providing critical infrastructure that ensures secure passage through intersections, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting road safety in Unnao district, serving as a model for future road safety enhancements. Road safety is our top priority, and we are confident that this move will not only reduce road crashes but also help in building a safer road network for Unnao.”
Some of the interventions under the Tactical Urbanism trial include:
● Creation of a dedicated pedestrian pathway using bollards, cones, and water-filled barriers.
● Creation of continuous zebra crossing to ensure safe crossing for all pedestrians.
● Demarcation of designated bus stops for safe boarding and alighting.
● Designated auto rickshaw stands to facilitate safe pick-up and drop-off of passengers.
● Demarcation of organised vending zones and two-wheeler parking.
● Installation of traffic calming measures such as rumble strips.
● Improved signage and road markings, including speed limit signs, ‘Go Slow’ warnings, and directional arrows, to guide and inform road users.
● Placement of delineators (cat-eyes) to improve visibility and aid nighttime navigation.
These interventions are designed to enhance safety, reduce traffic-related risks, and improve the overall road-user experience. The redesign of the Dahi Chowki intersection is likely to reduce pedestrian exposure distance by approximately 53% and cut pedestrian crossing time by more than 60%.
Commenting on the TU trial, Piyush Tewari, founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, said, “Our efforts in Unnao represent a crucial step in reimagining road safety, with a focus on protecting vulnerable road users and transforming spaces to ensure safety for all. Our mission is clear - reduce fatalities, enhance road safety, and develop sustainable solutions that can be scaled nationwide. We extend our gratitude to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, NHAI, and Hindustan Unilever Limited for their support in paving the way towards a safer, more equitable road system for everyone.”
Yogesh Mishra, Executive Director & Head of Supply Chain, HUL, said, "We are proud to support the road safety engineering solution trials in Unnao, a crucial step towards transforming urban road safety. This initiative aims to implement swift, impactful changes in urban design and infrastructure, creating safer roads for everyone. We extend our sincere thanks to SaveLIFE Foundation for their exceptional work in driving this initiative forward. Together, we are paving the way for a safer future for all."