Despite Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s Silicon Valley, the city struggles to provide basic pedestrian infrastructure, with footpaths across the metropolis in a deplorable condition. The lack of proper footpaths raises questions about urban planning and civic responsibility, leaving residents frustrated. As part of the #BLRFootpathChallenge, a 100 km walk across the city has been initiated by local civic advocates to assess the condition of footpaths. Their goal is to identify roads lacking footpaths, those with obstacles, and the rare stretches that are safe and walkable for pedestrians.
The challenge’s organisers, long-time residents of Bengaluru, believe that the footpath issue cannot be solved without a precise, data-driven analysis of the problem. In many parts of the city, broken slabs of pavement are rarely replaced in time, ramps leading into homes force pedestrians to walk at steep inclines, and vehicles are regularly found encroaching on footpaths. According to the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), the city has around 13,000 km of roads, with good footpaths primarily concentrated in the Central Business District (CBD). However, extending this infrastructure to outer regions remains a significant challenge, largely due to street vendor encroachments and inconsistent maintenance efforts.ne of the major hurdles is the damage caused by ongoing civic works. Utilities and heavy machinery frequently encroach on footpaths, leaving them in disrepair once the work concludes. Power transformers, parked vehicles, and permanent encroachments also complicate efforts to reclaim pedestrian spaces. The BBMP has been working to sensitise zonal engineers to undertake drives to remove encroachments twice a month. However, these efforts have met with limited success, as street vendors often reoccupy the footpaths soon after they are cleared. The Joint Commissioner of Police for Traffic added that while the police can fine vehicles parked on footpaths, the responsibility for removing encroachments lies with the corporation.
The ongoing issue of poorly maintained and encroached footpaths in Bengaluru highlights a broader concern around urban sustainability. Safe, walkable spaces are essential to reduce vehicular traffic, improve air quality, and promote eco-friendly transportation solutions. Addressing this challenge requires not only improving footpath quality but also ensuring the proper allocation of space for pedestrians. Integrating sustainability into urban planning, such as creating continuous walkways and promoting pedestrian-first policies, can have a transformative impact on the city’s livability. Solving the footpath crisis is essential to building a sustainable, resilient future for Bengaluru, ensuring the safety and well-being of its growing population.
