Senior citizens across Bengaluru have voiced deep concern over the city’s deteriorating footpaths, calling them unsafe and unfit for walking, especially for the elderly.
Unsafe footpaths threaten daily mobility
“First of all, is there any footpath in Bengaluru?” questioned Dr Vittal Kamath, reflecting a sentiment widely shared among residents. Across the city, footpaths are either broken, uneven, encroached upon, or entirely missing.
Street vendors, garbage piles, and utility structures frequently occupy pedestrian spaces, forcing citizens—particularly the elderly—to walk on busy roads, exposing them to traffic risks.
Elderly face serious safety risks
Residents say the issue goes beyond inconvenience. A 70-year-old citizen pointed out that lack of railings, proper slopes, and even surfaces makes walking hazardous.
“At this age, if I fall, it can be serious. Yet nothing is designed keeping senior citizens in mind,” he said. Similar concerns were echoed by residents in areas like Osborne Road, where footpaths are often slippery or unusable.
Alexander James, a 62-year-old retired lecturer, shared his own experience of being injured after being forced onto the road due to unusable footpaths. “If we walk on footpaths, we may fall. If we step on to the road, we risk getting hit by vehicles,” he said.
Doctors report rising fall injuries
Medical experts confirm that such conditions are contributing to an increase in fall-related injuries among senior citizens. Doctors at Victoria Hospital and Sakra World Hospital report a steady rise in fractures linked to poor pedestrian infrastructure.
Orthopaedic specialists note that even minor falls can lead to severe fractures, often requiring surgeries such as joint replacements, significantly affecting mobility and quality of life.
Poor planning and weak enforcement
Experts attribute the issue to poorly designed footpaths that prioritise neither accessibility nor safety. Encroachments, uneven surfaces, and lack of maintenance remain persistent problems.
Dr Kamath also highlighted weak enforcement, noting that vehicles frequently use footpaths without facing strict penalties. Citizens believe that stronger regulation and accountability are essential to address the issue.
Call for senior-friendly infrastructure
With Bengaluru’s ageing population on the rise, experts stress the urgent need to prioritise pedestrian infrastructure that is inclusive and safe.
For many senior citizens, the ability to take a simple walk has become a daily challenge. “A simple walk should not feel like a risk,” said James. “But in Bengaluru today, it does.”