In a significant development for urban accessibility, Bengaluru's bustling IT corridor is witnessing the installation of its first-ever brushed-concrete footpaths equipped with tactile guide tiles designed specifically for visually impaired pedestrians. The pioneering project, covering nearly 200 meters in the Brookefield area, marks a crucial step toward creating more inclusive public infrastructure in India's technology capital.
A Long-Awaited Accessibility Upgrade
The initiative comes under the East City Corporation's jurisdiction, targeting one of the city's most rapidly developing zones that surprisingly lacked proper pedestrian infrastructure despite being a major economic contributor. Chief Engineer Lokesh M revealed to TOI that he personally championed the new design despite initial resistance within the corporation. "I wanted these changes in our corporation," Lokesh stated, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring all future footpaths in their jurisdiction follow this accessible model.
This development addresses a critical gap in Bengaluru's urban landscape. While tactile tiles are technically mandatory on city footpaths, visually impaired residents report that fewer than 5% of the city's pedestrian walkways actually feature them. Even the existing installations often suffer from poor planning, ending abruptly without proper directional guidance.
Engineering Better Urban Mobility
Shreyas, a visually impaired advocate, highlighted the stark contrast between well-designed tactile systems and current footpath implementations. "The best tactile tiles in Bengaluru are in Namma Metro stations," he noted. "They guide us accurately towards trains, lifts, and staircases. But on Bengaluru's footpaths, there are barely any tactile tiles, and the ones that exist end abruptly without direction or pattern."
The new brushed-concrete footpaths represent both an accessibility and engineering improvement over traditional cobblestone surfaces. According to corporation officials, brushed concrete costs 45% less than cobblestone while offering superior durability. Constructed using M-30 grade concrete, these footpaths are expected to last for approximately 30 years unless disrupted by external factors like utility digging.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
An engineer involved in the project explained the technical advantages: "Cobblestone footpaths get damaged quickly. If even one cobble loosens, an entire stretch can start shifting. Food vendors often crowd these footpaths, attracting rats that chew through the cement between the stones, and rain accelerates the loosening."
However, the implementation isn't without challenges. Engineers must navigate obstacles like electric poles, transformers, and mature trees that disrupt the placement of continuous tactile lines. The corporation is developing alternative layouts to maintain accessibility while preserving existing tree cover and infrastructure.
Lokesh also addressed potential misuse concerns, noting that while the smooth surface might tempt motorcyclists, the corporation will enforce strict measures to prevent two-wheelers from using the pedestrian pathways. The brushed concrete's continuous surface also offers potential for dual usage as cycle lanes, adding to its functional versatility.
This pilot project in Brookefield serves as a testing ground for broader implementation across Whitefield and other areas within the East City Corporation limits. The corporation aims to evaluate both the financial and practical benefits before scaling the model across the region, potentially setting a new standard for accessible urban infrastructure in Indian cities.
