GBA to launch safe footpath campaign from July 1

The five corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will launch a citywide ‘Safe Footpath Campaign’ from July 1 to clear encroachments and improve pedestrian infrastructure across the city, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said. The government has also allocated ₹70 crore for the repair and improvement of nearly 2,000 km of footpaths within GBA limits.

The Minister announced the initiative on Wednesday after reviewing footpath encroachment removal and repair works. The move follows a recent Supreme Court judgment that declared the freedom to walk on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths a fundamental right.

Mr. Gowda said that shop owners encroaching on footpaths have been given time until July 1 to voluntarily remove goods, signboards, and other materials placed on footpaths. After the deadline, civic authorities will begin removing encroachments and impose heavy penalties on violators. He stressed that footpaths are public assets and that commercial activities must remain within private premises without obstructing pedestrian movement.

“Bengaluru has a road network of nearly 13,000 km, of which about 2,000 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads have been identified as priority corridors for the campaign. The objective is to remove all obstacles that hinder safe and smooth movement of pedestrians,” Mr. Gowda said, adding that the State government is committed to ensuring safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure.

Further, the Minister highlighted that nearly 1,000 people lose their lives in road accidents in the city every year, with pedestrians accounting for around 30% of the fatalities. He said safer footpaths could significantly reduce such deaths.

In addition to removing the shop encroachments, parking on footpaths will be strictly prohibited, and vehicles found violating the rule will be towed away. Officials have also been instructed to identify abandoned vehicles parked on roadsides.

Notice stickers will be affixed from July 1, and vehicles not removed within seven days will be towed and auctioned from July 10, according to the GBA. Officials have also been directed to undertake scientific pothole repairs, improve major junctions and traffic signals, and prevent parking within 75 metres of signalised intersections to ease traffic flow.