The Supreme Court has declared a fundamental right for citizens to walk on safe, clearly marked footpaths. In response, Bengaluru’s civic body launched a ‘Safe Footpath’ drive this month, yet encroachments and uneven designs continue to challenge pedestrians.

Key Takeaways

  • The Supreme Court recognises footpaths as a fundamental right.
  • Bengaluru initiates a Safe Footpath campaign to clear obstructions.
  • Vendor stalls, illegal parking and inconsistent footpath design still hinder walkers.

The apex court recently affirmed that under the Constitution, every Indian citizen enjoys a fundamental right to walk on safe, clearly demarcated and well‑maintained footpaths. Following this judgment, Bengaluru’s municipal administration rolled out a city‑wide ‘Safe Footpath’ campaign this month, aiming to remove obstacles and provide a seamless walking experience for all.

Current Landscape

What once served as the city’s pedestrian spine has now become a patchwork of hazards. Loose earthen pots, construction debris, discarded furniture, piles of garbage and illegally parked two‑wheelers dominate the pavements. Consequently, vehicles often spill onto the remaining footpaths, aggravating traffic congestion and raising safety concerns.

Statistics and Trends

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Bengaluru topped the list of pedestrian fatalities among Indian megacities in 2024, though the toll fell from 292 deaths in 2023 to 246 in 2024. While the decline hints at improving safety, the underlying infrastructure problems remain largely unaddressed.

Voices from the Ground

Chethana, a Class‑12 student commuting daily by bus from Palace Guttahalli, describes the “last‑mile” as a nightmare: “The footpath narrows and then disappears entirely, with construction taking over the whole stretch.” Visually‑impaired commuter Ravi adds, “Many footpaths are too high and vary in height every few metres. I often prefer staying on the road rather than risking a fall on uneven pavements.” These testimonies underscore how inconsistent footpath design disproportionately affects the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Challenges to the ‘Safe Footpath’ Initiative

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has pledged to clear encroachments, yet many juice counters, ice‑cream kiosks, and paan stalls—often backed by restaurant chains—continue to occupy large sections of the walkway. Additionally, two‑wheelers and official vehicles belonging to agencies such as BWSSB and the police are routinely parked on footpaths with little enforcement.

Whether the campaign can transform Bengaluru into a truly walkable city hinges on sustained enforcement, uniform footpath design, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The initiative marks a critical policy shift, but its long‑term impact will only be evident through rigorous monitoring and genuine on‑ground action.