Bengaluru: Following the Supreme Court’s directive to all state governments to prioritise pedestrian safety, residents of Bengaluru are urging the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government to make city footpaths safe and usable.

Citizens across the city say that walking has turned into a daily risk, with broken slabs, open trenches, and poor lighting making footpaths dangerous.

“Anyone can fall because the slabs on the footpaths are missing. We are scared to take our children out,” said Yogitha K, a commuter from Jalahalli. Even areas developed under the TenderSURE project, once hailed for smart urban design, are now in disrepair.

Supreme Court recognises safe walking as a fundamental right

The 88-page order, delivered by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on October 7, 2025, stated that the right to walk on safe, unobstructed footpaths forms an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The verdict came in response to a 2012 PIL filed by road safety advocate S. Rajaseekaran, seeking better pedestrian infrastructure across India.

The court has directed all states and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to:

  • Conduct audits of pedestrian infrastructure in 50 major cities.
  • Frame uniform pedestrian safety rules under Sections 138(1A) and 210D of the Motor Vehicles Act within six months.
    Officials may also face accountability under Section 198A for pedestrian deaths linked to poor road design or maintenance lapses.

Bengaluru’s alarming pedestrian fatalities

Bengaluru reported 233 pedestrian deaths in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for reform. Civic activists say the SC ruling should serve as a wake-up call for authorities.

“The Supreme Court order is not just a legal mandate — it’s a lifeline for millions. Bengaluru, once hailed as a global city, still forces citizens to walk on broken pavements, trenches, and unsafe lanes,” said Mitliesh, a member of the East Bengaluru Civic Opposition Party.

He urged the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to fix accountability among officials and enforce uniform design standards without delay.

Government response awaited

Despite public pressure, GBA officials maintained they are yet to receive formal instructions from the government regarding the Supreme Court’s directive.

Civic groups have demanded immediate audits, stricter penalties for negligence, and mandatory inclusion of pedestrian safety in all urban planning projects.

For Bengaluru’s residents, the ruling represents more than just a court order — it’s a step towards reclaiming the city’s streets for those who walk.