Bengaluru footpaths exposed online: Netizens compare Paris, Istanbul and Amsterdam’s footpaths

A viral X post comparing Bengaluru’s footpaths to global cities sparks debate over city infrastructure, putting focus on poor maintenance and civic accountability.

Bengaluru’s pedestrian infrastructure has come under the spotlight after a viral post on X compared the city’s footpaths with those in Paris, Istanbul, and Amsterdam. The post featured four images, captioned: “An average footpath in: Paris, Istanbul, Amsterdam, #Bangalore”. While the European cities showcased clean, well-maintained sidewalks, Bengaluru’s footpaths appeared crumbling, uneven, and littered, drawing sharp criticism.

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The post has amassed around 59,000 views, triggering widespread discussion. Many users debated whether the comparison was fair. Comments ranged from “most Indian cities are like this” to critiques of governance, with some noting that tax revenue in other countries is fully invested in public infrastructure, while in India it is often spent on subsidies and freebies. Others suggested including Delhi to highlight similar issues in major cities.

An average footpath in

Paris

Istanbul

Amsterdam #Bangalorepic.twitter.com/Y65nTQA8ON

— ར་བི། (@macroschema) September 25, 2025

The debate has intensified scrutiny on Bengaluru’s civic management, prompting officials to recognize the urgent need for improvement. Residents and activists have emphasized the importance of safe and accessible footpaths, not just for pedestrians but also for traffic decongestion and urban aesthetics.

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In response to rising criticism, the Karnataka government launched a 90-day action plan on September 24 to address crumbling infrastructure, potholes, garbage, and pedestrian pathways. The plan will run from October to December, aiming for visible improvements across the city.