Bengaluru: Karnataka’s ongoing footpath clearance drive is aimed at improving pedestrian safety while safeguarding the livelihoods of street vendors, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has said.

Responding to concerns raised by vendors over the Safe Footpath Campaign, the minister clarified that the government’s intention is to relocate vendors to designated spaces rather than evict them.

Vendors to be shifted to designated locations

Byre Gowda said the government recognises the role of street vendors in Bengaluru’s economy and is working to ensure that the clearance drive does not deprive them of their livelihood.

He said vendors operating on footpaths identified for clearance would be relocated to suitable vending zones wherever feasible instead of being removed permanently.

The assurance comes after several vendors protested the drive, alleging that the enforcement was selective and carried out without first creating alternative vending spaces.

Drive focused on pedestrian safety

The minister reiterated that the objective of the campaign is to reclaim footpaths for pedestrians and improve accessibility on the city’s busiest roads.

The clearance operation has primarily targeted illegal encroachments such as temporary stalls, advertisement boards, extended staircases and other structures obstructing public walkways.

Officials have been directed to ensure that the campaign is implemented in accordance with the law while balancing public convenience with the needs of vendors.

Balancing public spaces and livelihoods

The government’s clarification is expected to ease concerns among thousands of street vendors who feared losing their only source of income.

Authorities have maintained that the initiative is intended to create safer, obstruction-free footpaths while developing a long-term solution that allows licensed vendors to continue their businesses from designated locations.

The footpath clearance drive is continuing across Bengaluru, with civic agencies expected to work alongside vendor representatives to identify suitable relocation site