The Karnataka Government has announced that 430 kilometres of footpaths across Bengaluru have been cleared of encroachments as part of the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s (GBA) citywide Pedestrian Safety Drive. The large-scale initiative is aimed at reclaiming public walkways, improving pedestrian mobility, and creating safer roads for residents in one of India’s busiest metropolitan cities. The government described the campaign as one of the most extensive footpath restoration efforts undertaken in Bengaluru in recent years.
According to officials, the clearance drive focused on removing illegal structures, unauthorized commercial extensions, temporary stalls, debris, and other obstructions that had made footpaths inaccessible to pedestrians. Authorities stated that restoring walkways is essential to encourage walking, improve road safety, and reduce accidents involving pedestrians who are often forced to walk on busy roads due to blocked footpaths.
The campaign has been carried out in several major commercial and residential areas across Bengaluru, with civic authorities reporting significant improvements in pedestrian movement. Officials said the initiative forms part of a broader urban mobility strategy that also includes road upgrades, better traffic management, and improved public infrastructure.
While many residents have welcomed the restoration of footpaths, the campaign has also drawn criticism from street vendor associations. Representatives of vendors argue that many small businesses have lost their livelihoods after being removed from traditional vending locations. They have urged the government to establish designated vending zones and provide proper rehabilitation measures before continuing further eviction drives.
Responding to these concerns, the Karnataka Government stated that discussions with vendor associations are ongoing to identify suitable alternative locations for licensed street vendors while ensuring compliance with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Officials emphasized that the objective is to strike a balance between protecting pedestrian rights and safeguarding the livelihoods of small traders.
The government has indicated that the footpath clearance campaign will continue across other parts of Bengaluru in the coming months. Civic authorities believe the initiative will contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more pedestrian-friendly city while supporting Bengaluru’s long-term vision of sustainable urban development. Further measures, including improved footpath maintenance and stricter enforcement against future encroachments, are also being planned.
news as reported
