Bengaluru: While many Bengaluru residents voice concerns over damaged footpaths and unsafe pedestrian infrastructure, 14-year-old Surya Uthkarsha chose to address the issue by developing an innovative solution.
The young student has created RASTHE, an AI-assisted mobile application that allows citizens to report broken, blocked and unsafe footpaths, encouraging civic authorities to take timely action.
App focuses on pedestrian safety
Bengaluru has long faced criticism over deteriorating footpaths, potholes and increasing traffic congestion, often forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads and putting their safety at risk.
Although civic grievance platforms already exist, Surya felt that issues affecting pedestrians often do not receive adequate attention. This inspired him to develop a dedicated platform focused exclusively on improving footpath safety.
AI and community participation
RASTHE combines AI-assisted development with crowdsourced reporting, enabling users to upload and document locations where footpaths are damaged, encroached upon or inaccessible.
By bringing together reports from the public, the platform aims to create greater awareness of pedestrian issues while helping civic agencies identify locations that require urgent attention.
Inspiring young innovators
Surya’s initiative demonstrates how technology can be used to solve everyday civic challenges. His project highlights the growing role of young innovators in developing practical solutions that encourage community participation and improve urban infrastructure.
As Bengaluru continues to grapple with pedestrian safety concerns, initiatives like RASTHE showcase how innovation and citizen engagement can contribute towards building safer and more accessible public spaces