Anand Mahindra has a message for every Indian city. Have govt officials seen his post?

Anand Mahindra often shares his wisdom, musings and motivation on social media, which instantly sparks off a discussion on the internet. Today, the chairman of the Mahindra Group is back on X, but has a special message for every municipality in India regarding roads and pavements as he reshared a post about how Indian PR would improve if Indian cities prioritized cleanliness and hygiene.

His tweet in response to the post read, “Beautiful. Forget the PR, it’s all about the quality of life of citizens. Streets like these add not just to physical safety but to mental well-being. The most important design element of all these streets is the pavements. The pavements belong to the people and they truly signal what importance a city gives to its citizens. Every municipality in the country should adopt holistic design of streets, with pavements—their size & their aesthetic— being the most highly prioritised elements…”

Internet reacts

Users widely agreed that well-designed streets and pavements are essential, not just for safety but also for mental well-being. Many stressed the need for cities to prioritize pedestrian-friendly spaces. However, some argued that infrastructure alone isn’t enough if civic responsibility doesn’t improve—pointing out how littering, even by luxury car owners, and gutka stains continue to mar public spaces.

Others highlighted the strain on urban India, stating that cities are operating at unsustainable levels and need more well-developed urban centers to manage growth. Some lamented the unfulfilled promises of the Smart City initiative. Meanwhile, another user emphasized that prioritizing pedestrians over vehicles isn’t just smart planning—it reflects a city’s values and commitment to livability, urging more cities to embrace this vision.