Despite a Supreme Court ruling that declares safe footpaths a fundamental right, Bengaluru still lacks continuous pedestrian pathways at key transit points. This article delves into the gaps, their causes, and the city’s plans to bridge them.

Key Takeaways

  • Many major bus stops and metro stations in Bengaluru lack footpaths.
  • The Supreme Court has declared safe, unobstructed footpaths a fundamental right, yet implementation lags.
  • Vehicle‑centric urban planning has historically ignored pedestrian needs.

Commuters in Bengaluru continue to wrestle with the “last‑mile” challenge, often forced to walk up to 700 metres along busy carriageways because footpaths are missing. Caroline B., a 32‑year‑old regular BMTC rider between Hebbal and Marathahalli, finally gave up public transport after repeatedly confronting unsafe pedestrian crossings and decided to drive instead.

Supreme Court’s Fundamental Right

In June 2024, the Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on safe, accessible, and unobstructed footpaths as a fundamental right, directing governments to provide and maintain pedestrian infrastructure. Yet, on the ground, many high‑traffic zones still have no footpaths, rendering the judgment largely symbolic for Bengaluru’s commuters.

Reality on the Ground

Key junctions such as Hebbal, Silk Board, Goraguntepalya, Jalahalli, and sections of the Outer Ring Road witness thousands of passengers alighting from buses or metro trains daily, only to find no continuous pavement. The absence isn’t merely about broken sidewalks; entire stretches are missing, compelling pedestrians to walk on the road amidst moving vehicles.

Need for a Planning Mind‑Shift

Pawan Mulukutla, Executive Director of the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, argues that the city’s pedestrian woes stem from a long‑standing vehicle‑first mindset in urban planning. Most road designers are engineers trained to prioritize vehicular flow, while pedestrian considerations entered policy circles only two decades ago. A multidisciplinary approach involving urban designers, transport planners, and policy experts is essential to re‑center infrastructure around people.

Future Directions

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has earmarked new footpath projects in its inaugural budgets, focusing on corridors around metro stations, bus stands, and underpasses to improve last‑mile connectivity. If executed with coordination across agencies, Bengaluru could finally transform into a truly walkable city.