Bengaluru:
A long-neglected walkway connecting Domlur to Indiranagar has finally been restored after nearly 20 years of disuse, thanks to a viral video by a Canadian man and the combined efforts of citizens and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The swift restoration has drawn widespread attention online, sparking debates on civic accountability and the role of citizen voices.
Canadian man’s viral clip sparks action
The turnaround began when Caleb Friesen, a Canadian national living in Bengaluru, shared a video clip last week highlighting the dilapidated state of the Domlur–Indiranagar footpath. The footage showed him struggling to manoeuvre through a broken, garbage-strewn stretch, joking that it required “parkour and gymnastics” to get across.
The video quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism of the city’s neglect of pedestrian infrastructure. While locals had long voiced concerns about the unsafe walkway, the foreigner’s video brought renewed urgency to the issue.
Citizens and BBMP step in
Arun Pai, founder of Bangalore Walks, soon shared an updated video showcasing the freshly repaired pathway. In his post, Pai credited the civic revival to Friesen’s viral clip and highlighted the efforts of BBMP officials, local volunteers, and civic groups who came together to clean, paint, and cement the stretch.
“We are going to walk on a footpath from Domlur to Indiranagar, something which was not possible for the last 20 years,” Pai said, noting how pedestrians earlier had to risk their lives crossing busy traffic. He described the rejuvenated walkway as “a very easy pathway to walk” and free of previous design flaws.
The BBMP Zonal Commissioner (East), Snehal R, was also seen walking the repaired pathway along with residents, signalling the administration’s commitment to improving pedestrian facilities.
Online reactions: pride, criticism, and nostalgia
The repair work has triggered a wave of online reactions. While many praised the effort, some pointed out the irony that local complaints over the years had gone unanswered, but a foreigner’s post spurred quick action.
One social media user remarked, “Bengaluru is setting the right example.” Another commented, “So y’all need an outsider to show how bad India is just so y’all can make it right? When citizens who use it daily complain, nothing is done.”
Others viewed the development more positively, with one user suggesting, “Please bring as many foreigners as possible to make videos, and maybe, just maybe, we might finally get proper footpaths in our country.”
A nostalgic perspective also emerged from a former Domlur resident, who recalled how crossing Airport Road near the Shiva temple had become increasingly difficult since the late 1990s. “In today’s world, with the road so choked, this access is a blessing,” the user wrote.
Canadian man responds with gratitude
Responding to Pai’s video on X (formerly Twitter), Caleb Friesen expressed joy at the change: “Likewise, this made my year. All credit goes to the volunteers who cleaned, painted, and laid cement for this project!”
His humble response further endeared him to Bengaluru residents, many of whom lauded both his initiative and the civic groups’ collective action.
A larger lesson for civic accountability
The Domlur–Indiranagar footpath repair serves as a reminder of the potential of collective civic action, especially when amplified by social media. While the irony of requiring foreign attention to spark local change has not gone unnoticed, the development reflects how communities, authorities, and individuals can work together to bring tangible improvements to urban life.
As Bengaluru continues to grapple with infrastructure challenges, this episode highlights the importance of sustained accountability and citizen participation in shaping the city’s future.