Bengaluru's Vanishing Footpaths: Pedestrians Struggle as Roads Widen
Bengaluru's roads are getting wider, but its footpaths are shrinking. This troubling trend is creating major problems for pedestrians across the city. Many walkers report that the issue is not a lack of footpaths, but their poor condition and constant obstructions.
Pedestrians Voice Their Concerns
People who walk regularly in Bengaluru say the footpaths are often unusable. They point to several key problems. First, many footpaths are blocked by parked vehicles, street vendors, or construction materials. Second, the pathways are frequently too narrow for comfortable walking. Third, footpaths often end abruptly, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads.
One resident explained, "You start walking on a footpath, and suddenly it disappears. Then you have to risk your life crossing traffic to find another section." This discontinuity makes walking dangerous and inconvenient.
The 80 Feet Road Example
A clear example of this problem exists on 80 Feet Road near MS Ramaiah Hospital. Here, pedestrian space has been taken over by various encroachments. The footpath is crowded with obstacles, leaving little room for safe walking. This situation is common throughout Bengaluru.
M Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, has acknowledged these issues. The authority faces challenges in maintaining clear and continuous footpaths across the expanding city.
Why This Matters
Shrinking footpaths affect everyone who walks in Bengaluru. This includes:
- Daily commuters who rely on walking
- School children walking to and from classes
- Senior citizens who need safe walking paths
- People with disabilities who require accessible routes
As Bengaluru grows, proper pedestrian infrastructure becomes increasingly important. Wide roads benefit vehicles, but neglected footpaths harm the city's walkability. Residents hope for solutions that balance road expansion with pedestrian safety.
The situation highlights a broader urban planning challenge. Cities must accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians effectively. For now, Bengaluru's walkers continue navigating shrinking footpaths and unexpected obstacles on their daily journeys.
