The Greater Bengaluru Authority has made rapid progress under its newly launched Safe Footpath Campaign, initiated on July 1 by Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. In just three days, officials reclaimed a total of 202.7 kilometers of pedestrian pathways across five zones by removing encroachments from arterial roads. The breakdown of the effort shows 76.55 km cleared on day one, 64.55 km on day two, and 61.60 km on day three, reflecting a consistent push to restore walkways for public use.
The campaign has received bipartisan support, with leaders from both ruling and opposition parties backing the initiative. BJP MLA Ravi Subramanya criticized residents for tying cattle to newly cleared roads, while Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced steep fines of up to ₹1 lakh for illegal banners and encroachments. These measures aim to deter violations and ensure that the reclaimed footpaths remain accessible.
Street vendors affected by the drive are being relocated to designated zones, a move designed to balance livelihood concerns with the need for safe pedestrian infrastructure. The campaign emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to provide secure walkways for all, including the elderly and disabled.
While the immediate results are impressive, questions remain about the sustainability of the effort. Long-term enforcement and public cooperation will be crucial to keeping Bengaluru’s footpaths clear and ensuring that the city’s pedestrians can enjoy safe, obstruction-free movement.
