Streets as Public Spaces: Lessons from Street Vending in Ahmedabad, India

Street vending in Ahmedabad, India, significantly enhances urban vibrancy, safety, and inclusivity by increasing foot traffic, fostering social cohesion, and allowing diverse groups to participate in economic exchange. A study analyzing 4,000 vendors across four time points, combined with perception studies of clientele (disaggregated by gender, income, and age) and spatial relationships with land-use and street hierarchy, demonstrates that street vendors are vital to equitable and dynamic public spaces. This research underscores their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8 (decent work) and 11 (sustainable cities), offering insights for global urban planning.

Deore, P., & Lathia, S. (2019). Streets as Public Spaces: Lessons from Street Vending in Ahmedabad, India. Urban Planning, 4(2), 138–153. https://doi.org/10.17645/up.v4i2.2058