The Karnataka government will launch a citywide ‘Safe Footpath Drive’ from July 1 to remove encroachments, repair damaged walkways and make Bengaluru’s roads safer for pedestrians.
Announcing the initiative after a review meeting, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the campaign follows the Supreme Court’s observation that walking on footpaths is a fundamental right of every citizen.
Shop owners have been asked to voluntarily remove goods, signboards and other materials placed on footpaths before July 1. After the deadline, civic authorities will begin clearing encroachments and impose penalties on violators.
Focus on major roads across the city
The drive will cover nearly 2,000 kilometres of arterial and sub-arterial roads within Bengaluru’s 13,000-kilometre road network.
From July 1, pushcart street vending will not be permitted on footpaths and major roads in the identified priority corridors. Vehicles parked on footpaths will also face towing action as part of the enforcement drive.
Krishna Byre Gowda said footpaths are meant for pedestrians and must remain accessible to everyone without obstruction.
₹70 crore allocated for footpath repairs
Highlighting the need for safer pedestrian infrastructure, the minister said Bengaluru records around 1,000 road accident deaths every year, with nearly 30 per cent of the victims being pedestrians.
The government has earmarked ₹70 crore to repair footpaths across the city’s five municipal corporations. The works will include replacing broken slabs, repairing kerb stones and levelling uneven surfaces to create safer and more accessible walkways.
Officials said the initiative aims to improve pedestrian mobility while reducing accidents and ensuring public spaces remain free from illegal encroachments.