Bengaluru footpaths turn deadly as encroachments and damage endanger pedestrians

Broken slabs, garbage dumping, illegal parking, and encroachments have made several Bengaluru footpaths unsafe, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads and increasing accident risks.

Footpaths in Bengaluru, meant to provide safe walking space for pedestrians, are increasingly turning into danger zones. Across the city, damaged slabs, garbage dumping, illegal parking, and encroachments have made walking on footpaths risky, forcing people to step onto busy roads.

Residents say the footpath crisis has become more serious than other civic issues like potholes or garbage collection. In many areas, footpaths are either partially occupied or completely unusable. Broken slabs, construction materials dumped on walkways, and unauthorised parking have reduced the available space for pedestrians.

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In several locations, footpaths exist only in name. Slabs are damaged or missing, garbage is piled up, and access is blocked by shops or ongoing works. As a result, pedestrians have no choice but to walk on the road alongside fast-moving vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.

Spot 01: Mysuru Road

Mysuru Road presents one of the most alarming examples of the footpath problem. For stretches running several kilometres, footpaths are encroached upon. In many places, slabs are broken or completely removed. Certain spots have turned into garbage black spots, making walking impossible.

There are also allegations of unauthorised works being carried out, even by civic agencies, which have further damaged footpaths. Though footpaths are present, they are not fit for pedestrian use. With no safe walking space, people are pushed onto the main road, where high-speed traffic has led to frequent accidents.

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Spot 02: SJP Road - Town Hall Area

The situation is equally dangerous on SJP Road near Town Hall, one of the busiest pedestrian zones in the city. Large sections of footpath slabs are missing or damaged. Pedestrians say even dropping a key or document on the footpath means it is lost, as gaps between slabs are wide.

People often slip and fall while walking, especially during peak hours. Garbage is regularly dumped on the footpaths, and shop owners have encroached upon walking space. Due to these obstructions, pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, directly in the path of moving vehicles.

Citizens are demanding urgent repairs, removal of encroachments, and proper maintenance of footpaths to ensure pedestrian safety across Bengaluru.