In a powerful address that has reignited discussions about urban planning in India's tech capital, Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad has brought attention to the severe misuse of footpaths across Bengaluru, demanding immediate action and a fundamental shift in the city's approach to mobility.
The Footpath Crisis Exposed
During a recent meeting focused on the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA), Arshad delivered a compelling critique of the current state of pedestrian infrastructure. The Congress legislator highlighted how footpaths, meant for safe pedestrian movement, have been systematically encroached upon by multiple stakeholders, leaving walkers with dangerously narrow passages or no space at all.
Arshad specifically pointed to the troubling trend of footpaths being appropriated for various purposes that compromise their primary function. "Footpaths are being used for parking, garbage dumping, and other activities that completely defeat their purpose," he stated, emphasizing that this misuse has created an environment hostile to pedestrians.
Call for Comprehensive Mobility Reform
The MLA's concerns extended beyond immediate footpath issues to broader systemic problems in Bengaluru's transport planning. He stressed the urgent need for developing a comprehensive, people-centric mobility plan that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists rather than continuing the current vehicle-focused approach that has led to chronic congestion.
Arshad questioned the effectiveness of the BMLTA's current structure and implementation capabilities, suggesting that the authority needs stronger enforcement mechanisms and clearer accountability. His critique comes at a crucial time when Bengaluru faces increasing pressure to solve its notorious traffic problems and create more livable urban spaces.
Systemic Challenges and Proposed Solutions
The legislator identified several structural issues plaguing Bengaluru's urban transport ecosystem. He noted the fragmented nature of transportation planning, where multiple agencies operate without proper coordination, leading to inefficient use of resources and contradictory policies.
Arshad proposed that any meaningful mobility plan must integrate pedestrian needs as a core component rather than an afterthought. This includes designing footpaths with adequate width, maintaining them regularly, and implementing strict measures against encroachment. He also emphasized the importance of creating continuous pedestrian networks that allow safe walking throughout the city.
The meeting, which included key stakeholders from various transportation departments, served as a platform to address these longstanding issues. Arshad's intervention has sparked renewed conversation about making Bengaluru more walkable and accessible, particularly for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities who are most affected by poor pedestrian infrastructure.
As Bengaluru continues to grapple with rapid urbanization and increasing population pressure, the demands raised by the Shivajinagar MLA represent a growing public sentiment for more humane and sustainable urban planning that prioritizes people over vehicles. The success of any future mobility initiatives will depend significantly on how effectively authorities address these fundamental concerns about pedestrian safety and footpath usability.
