Do we need foreigners to fix Bengaluru’s footpaths? Indiranagar repair sparks online outrage

After a foreigner’s viral video exposed dangerous footpaths in Indiranagar, civic authorities rushed to repair the stretch, triggering sharp public criticism over reactive governance.

A badly damaged footpath in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, has suddenly turned neat and usable, but the timing of the repair has ignited a larger debate on civic accountability. The stretch, which was earlier broken, uneven, and unsafe, was repaired just a day after it went viral on social media, drawing strong reactions from residents and netizens.

The issue gained traction after a foreigner shared a video on X, highlighting the poor condition of Bengaluru’s footpaths. The footage showed broken and displaced slabs, open drains, uncovered pits, uneven surfaces, and encroachments, making walking risky, especially for children and senior citizens. In several locations, parked vehicles had occupied footpaths, forcing pedestrians to step onto busy roads.

The damaged footpath slab at Indiranagar double road was repaired by the Bangalore Central City Corporation, ensuring safer and smoother movement for pedestrians.#GreaterBengaluruAuthority#DKShivakumar#gbachiefcommissioner@CMofKarnataka@DKShivakumar@caleb_friesenpic.twitter.com/np017CFFvb

— Greater Bengaluru Authority (@GBA_office) December 23, 2025

Soon after the video went viral and the Indiranagar footpath became the subject of online trolling, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) stepped in and laid new slabs. The agency also posted a “before and after” video, showcasing the transformation of the stretch, which now appears smooth and walkable.

However, instead of praise, the move has drawn public anger. Many questioned why authorities acted only after a foreign national highlighted the issue. “Did Bengaluru need a foreign citizen to show us our broken footpaths?” was a common sentiment echoed online. Residents also asked why routine inspections failed and why repairs happen only after the city’s image is embarrassed publicly.

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Adding to the concern, another viral awareness video featuring a child walking on city footpaths further exposed widespread problems across Bengaluru. The visuals captured open drains, loose slabs, random stones placed along walkways, unauthorized parking, and poor maintenance, underlining serious safety risks for pedestrians.

While citizens welcomed the immediate repair in Indiranagar, they stressed that reactive fixes are not a solution.