Bengaluru launches 10-day 'Safe Footpath Campaign' to clear 1,000 km of walkways
Bengaluru, July 2
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has launched a "Safe Footpath Campaign" from July 1 to 10, covering nearly 1,000 km of road network across the city's five corporations, aimed at clearing encroachments and restoring pedestrian pathways.
As part of the drive, authorities are removing illegal parking on footpaths, shop extensions, kiosks, name boards, chairs and other obstructions that block pedestrian movement. Vehicles parked on footpaths are being towed, while vendors and establishments encroaching on walkways are being issued notices prior to action.
The campaign is being carried out in coordination with municipal officers, police and enforcement teams, following provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act and Supreme Court guidelines. Along with clearance work, damaged slabs and kerbs are also being repaired to improve pedestrian safety.
According to the GBA, the initiative is aimed at improving walkability in the city, where nearly 30 per cent of road accident fatalities involve pedestrians, adding that safe walking spaces are a fundamental right as upheld by the Supreme Court.
The drive also aligns with the ongoing '#1KmChallenge' initiative encouraging citizens to opt for short walking distances instead of using vehicles, as part of efforts to make Bengaluru more pedestrian-friendly.
Meanwhile, an anti-encroachment drive was also carried out on Thursday morning in HBR Layout under the Sarvagnanagar division of the Bengaluru North City Corporation, where officials cleared illegally occupied footpaths near 5th Cross.
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials removed shop platforms, boards and other temporary structures blocking pedestrian movement, following complaints from residents about difficulties in using the footpath.
Police personnel provided security during the operation, and officials warned that strict legal action would be taken if encroachments reappear. After clearance, the footpath was reopened for public use, officials added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative but what about the poor street vendors who depend on these footpaths for their livelihood? The article mentions they were issued notices, but where will they go? The Street Vendors Act talks about designated vending zones - has GBA created any? We need both safe footpaths AND protected livelihoods. 🇮🇳
As someone who moved to Bengaluru for work, I appreciate this effort. In my hometown in Canada, pedestrian rights are taken very seriously. It's refreshing to see a city in India prioritizing walkability. Hope the Supreme Court guidelines are followed strictly and this extends beyond just the campaign period.
Waah! Finally some action! But let's be honest - the real problem is cars parked on footpaths by rich people who think the road is their personal parking. I hope they tow BMWs and not just autos and two-wheelers. The #1KmChallenge is great but first make walking safe. My mother refuses to walk on broken footpaths full of parked vehicles 🚗
In HBR Layout, we've been complaining about this for years. The footpaths near 5th Cross were completely unusable because of shop extensions. Great to see action finally happening. But I worry about the vendors - many are daily wagers. While pedestrian safety is important, we need a humane approach that doesn't push poor people further into poverty. Balance is key. 🙏
Live in Koramangala and this is long overdue. The footpath outside my apartment is basically a parking
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