The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has removed more than 10,000 encroachments by shops and commercial establishments and relocated around 1,500 street vendors as part of its city-wide Safe Footpath Campaign, aimed at making pedestrian pathways safer and more accessible.

The civic body has also announced stricter enforcement measures, warning that anyone who re-encroaches on cleared footpaths will face double the prescribed penalty.

Campaign focuses on pedestrian safety

The Safe Footpath Campaign was launched to reclaim public walkways that had been occupied by commercial establishments, illegal extensions and unauthorised vendors, making it difficult and unsafe for pedestrians to use footpaths.

According to GBA officials, the drive has so far resulted in the clearance of over 10,000 commercial encroachments across Bengaluru, while nearly 1,500 street vendors have been shifted to designated vending zones to ensure their livelihoods are not affected.

Vendors relocated, not removed

Bengaluru Development Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao clarified that the campaign is not intended to deprive street vendors of their livelihood. Instead, the government is identifying suitable vending zones where vendors can continue their businesses without obstructing pedestrian movement.

He said the initiative seeks to strike a balance between protecting the rights of street vendors and ensuring safe, obstruction-free footpaths for citizens, especially senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

Double penalty for repeat violations

The GBA has warned that strict action will be taken against shops, commercial establishments or individuals who occupy footpaths again after they have been cleared. Repeat offenders will be required to pay double the existing penalty, and additional enforcement measures may also be initiated.

Officials said continuous monitoring will be carried out to prevent fresh encroachments and ensure that reclaimed footpaths remain accessible to the public.

Drive to continue across Bengaluru

The Safe Footpath Campaign will continue in different parts of the city in the coming weeks. Civic authorities have appealed to traders, businesses and vendors to cooperate with officials and avoid illegal occupation of public spaces.

The initiative forms part of the GBA’s broader efforts to improve Bengaluru’s urban infrastructure, enhance pedestrian safety and create more organised public spaces while ensuring that genuine street vendors are provided with alternative locations to carry out their business.