Madhya Pradesh survey finds 39% schoolchildren walk alone, 85% report speeding near school gates

A survey conducted by the research firm Manit across school zones in Madhya Pradesh highlighted serious gaps in child‑safety infrastructure. The study examined commuting patterns and road conditions around schools in several districts, including Bhopal.\n\nThe findings reveal that 39% of children travel to and from school without any adult supervision. Moreover, 85% of respondents reported that vehicles speed past school gates, creating a hazardous environment for young pedestrians. Thirty‑five percent of the children surveyed said they had personally experienced a road‑related accident while walking to school.\n\nRespondents also pointed to poorly maintained footpaths and unsafe crossing points as major contributors to the risk. The lack of designated crossing zones forces children to navigate traffic on the main carriageway, increasing the likelihood of collisions.\n\nEducation officials and local authorities have been urged to improve signage, enforce speed limits around school perimeters, and upgrade pedestrian infrastructure to protect students during their daily commute.