E-scooters at Lalbagh boost accessibility, but stray dog menace raises safety concerns

The Horticulture Department has launched an electric scooter service at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru to improve mobility for senior citizens and visitors with limited walking ability.

This pilot initiative, introduced in collaboration with startup Voltron Dynamics under the Fetch Mobility brand, is designed to make the 240-acre heritage garden more accessible and inclusive.

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Currently, ten eco-friendly e-scooters have been deployed, each offering a 20-minute ride for ₹50. With a capacity to travel up to 25 kilometres on a single charge, the scooters are expected to significantly ease movement within the garden. Authorities plan to increase the fleet to over 30 units, making them available at all entry points in the coming weeks.

While the initiative has been welcomed by many, especially the elderly, a rising concern threatens the overall visitor experience. The increasing number of stray dogs within the premises has raised safety issues. Tourists and morning walkers have reported large packs of dogs roaming freely near key attractions like the glasshouse and rock formations.

The presence of aggressive strays has caused anxiety among parents with young children and older visitors. Despite numerous complaints, residents allege that civic agencies, including the BBMP and the Horticulture Department, have failed to act decisively.

As Lalbagh continues to serve as a vital green space and tourist destination, balancing accessibility with safety remains a pressing challenge for city authorities.