Bengaluru: Months after winning praise for developing Raste, a platform that allows citizens to report footpath encroachments, 14-year-old Bengaluru student Surya Uthkarsha has appealed to the Karnataka government to partner with his initiative to improve pedestrian infrastructure across the city.

The young innovator said the platform has witnessed rapid growth since its launch, with more than 10,000 users registering and over 1,000 reports of footpath encroachments being submitted within a few weeks.

App helps citizens report encroachments

Raste enables users to photograph encroached or damaged footpaths and upload the location through the platform, allowing authorities to identify problem areas more efficiently.

The initiative gained widespread attention for encouraging residents to actively participate in improving Bengaluru’s public spaces and making footpaths safer for pedestrians.

Teen proposes government partnership

In a recent video, Surya urged the government to formally collaborate with the platform so that citizen-generated reports can directly reach civic authorities and speed up action on encroachments.

He also suggested integrating such technology into official grievance systems, making it easier for agencies to monitor complaints and improve accountability.

According to the teenager, greater cooperation between citizens and government departments could significantly enhance Bengaluru’s walkability.

Focus on safer and accessible footpaths

The appeal comes at a time when pedestrian infrastructure has become a major public issue following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that recognised the right to walk safely on footpaths as a Fundamental Right.

Urban planners and civic groups have repeatedly highlighted the need for continuous, obstruction-free footpaths to encourage walking, improve road safety and promote the use of public transport.

Surya’s initiative has been widely appreciated as an example of how young innovators can use technology to address civic challenges and contribute to building smarter, more accessible cities