Proposal to Restrict Street Vending on Major Roads
In a significant move to regulate street vending in Bengaluru, the state government is considering declaring over 1,500 km of roads as no-vending zones. The decision was taken at a virtual meeting chaired by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday, 29 June 2026.
The proposed restrictions aim to ease traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety, while also providing alternative vending spaces for street vendors. According to sources, the identified roads include major arterial and sub-arterial roads, which account for about 15% of the city's total road network.
Impact on Vendors and Alternative Arrangements
The move is expected to affect thousands of street vendors who currently operate along these routes. However, the government has assured that alternative vending zones will be designated in nearby areas to minimize livelihood disruption. Minister Byre Gowda emphasized that the decision was taken after consultations with various stakeholders, including vendor associations and traffic police.
“We are not banning street vending but ensuring it happens in designated spaces that do not obstruct traffic or endanger pedestrians,” said a senior official from the Bengaluru Development Authority, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Implementation and Next Steps
The proposal will now be sent to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bengaluru Traffic Police for final approval and implementation. A detailed survey of the roads is expected to be completed within two months. The government also plans to create a database of licensed vendors to facilitate the transition.
This initiative aligns with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, which mandates that cities designate vending zones. Bengaluru currently has around 50,000 registered street vendors, though the actual number is believed to be much higher.
