Pramesh S Jain 
Karnataka’s Greater Bengaluru Development Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda,has announced the launch of a city-wide“Safe Footpath Campaign”from July 1,aimed at clearing encroachments and improving pedestrian infrastructure across Bengaluru.
Addressing the media after a review meeting on footpath encroachments and repair works,the minister said shop owners would be given time until July 1 to voluntarily remove encroachments on footpaths.
After that,civic authorities will remove them and impose penalties as per rules.
He said footpaths are meant for pedestrians and cited directions of the Supreme Court of India,which has emphasized that walking on footpaths is a fundamental right of citizens.
Focus on 2,000 km of Priority Roads:
Bengaluru has a road network of nearly 13,000 km, of which about 2,000 km comprises arterial and sub-arterial roads.
The campaign will focus on ensuring safe and obstruction-free pedestrian movement along these priority corridors.
The minister appealed to commercial establishments not to place goods, signboards,or other materials on footpaths,saying such encroachments hinder public movement.
Footpaths Are Public Property:
Describing footpaths as an asset belonging to Bengaluru’s nearly 15 million residents,Byre Gowda said businesses must confine their activities within their own premises.
He urged citizens and traders to cooperate with the campaign and respect court directives.
30% of Road Fatalities Are Pedestrians:
According to the minister,Bengaluru records around 1,000 road accident deaths annually, with nearly 30% of the victims being pedestrians.He said safer and uninterrupted footpaths could significantly reduce such fatalities.
No Parking on Footpaths:
Authorities have been instructed to take strict action against vehicles parked on footpaths.Vehicles found obstructing pedestrian movement will be removed through towing operations.
Drive Against Abandoned Vehicles:
From July 1,officials will begin affixing notice stickers on abandoned or ownerless vehicles parked on roadsides. Owners will be given seven days to remove them.
Vehicles that remain unattended after the deadline will be towed away from July 10,following which auction proceedings may be initiated.
Rs.70 Crore for Footpath Repairs:
The government has earmarked Rs.70 crore for repairing deficiencies in approximately 2,000 km of footpaths across the city’s five municipal zones.Repairs will include damaged slabs,kerbstones,level differences and other infrastructure issues.
Street Vendors Barred From Major Roads:
From July 1,pushcart vendors will not be allowed to operate on footpaths along arterial and sub-arterial roads and other major corridors.Violators may face seizure of carts and fines.Vending will be permitted only in designated areas.
Scientific Road Pothole Repairs:
The minister directed officials to adopt a scientific “box-cutting”method for pothole repairs,involving excavation,filling with jelly stones and proper asphalt resurfacing.
He also called for greater use of modern machinery to improve the quality and speed of road maintenance.
Junction and Signal Improvements:
Officials have been instructed to prioritise repairs at major junctions and traffic signals,address damaged road surfaces and remove unnecessary speed breakers near signalised intersections.
No Vehicle Stops Within 75 Metres of Signals:
The government is also considering restrictions on parking or halting of buses and other vehicles within 75 metres of traffic signals.Discussions will be held with the Traffic Police before issuing necessary orders.
Senior civic and traffic police officials attended the review meeting, including Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao,municipal commissioners and senior engineering officers.
