Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Mohandas Pai applaud Kundalahalli footpath upgrade; citizens split

Bengaluru’s new brushed concrete footpath along Kundalahalli Main Road earns applause from industry leaders, but public reactions show both optimism and concern.

A major upgrade to the pedestrian infrastructure along Kundalahalli Main Road has sparked wide attention across Bengaluru, after the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) released new images of the freshly developed brushed concrete footpath. The work, currently progressing under the Bengaluru East City Corporation limits, aims to provide a stronger, smoother, and safer walkway on one of the area’s busiest stretches.

The development drew immediate appreciation from two of Bengaluru’s most influential voices, Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys director TV Mohandas Pai. Responding to the images shared by the GBA, Mazumdar-Shaw urged residents and street vendors to help maintain the upgraded pavement. She expressed hope that the footpath would remain clean and free of encroachments once opened for public use.

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Mohandas Pai also welcomed the project, thanking civic officials and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for prioritising pedestrian infrastructure. He emphasised that Bengaluru should steadily transform into a “walking city,” highlighting the need for more people-friendly urban planning.

Public discussion on X, however, revealed a much broader range of views. Many users commended the shift from traditional block tiles to a continuous concrete surface, arguing that tiles tend to loosen, crack, or get re-installed poorly after utility work. Several noted that concrete paths reduce maintenance hassles and offer better stability over time.

Thank you @GBA_office@GBAChiefComm@rk_misra@DKShivakumar for giving us a good footpath. We should make Bengaluru a walking city https://t.co/Po6UUz2bTj

— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) November 19, 2025

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At the same time, concerns surfaced about how long the new path would remain intact. Citizens pointed to past instances where newly built footpaths were damaged within weeks due to illegal digging, encroachment by hawkers, and two-wheeler parking. Some commenters called for strict penalties to prevent misuse and sustain the quality of civic works.

A number of users also questioned the design’s impermeability, warning that fully concretised surfaces could worsen stormwater runoff and increase flooding risks during heavy rain. Others suggested alternatives such as large-format tiles, which they said offer durability while allowing easier repair.