A Bold Step for Walkers
Authorities in Bengaluru have launched the 'Safe Footpath' campaign, an ambitious drive targeting 2,000 kilometres of arterial and sub-arterial roads. The mission is clear: to free the city's pavements from the illegal encroachments that have rendered
them unusable. The initiative involves removing illegally parked vehicles, unauthorized structures, and vendors who have occupied pedestrian spaces. The Greater Bengaluru Authority has allocated around ₹70 crore to not only clear but also repair damaged footpaths, fixing broken slabs and uneven surfaces to improve walkability. This campaign follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in June that declared the right to walk on a demarcated footpath a fundamental right, putting pressure on civic bodies nationwide to act.
The Familiar Street-Level Battle
Anyone who has tried to walk in an Indian city knows the problem well. Footpaths are not just pathways; they are parking lots, storefront extensions, and dumping grounds. This campaign is a direct confrontation with that reality. The 'Safe Footpath' initiative prioritises clearing areas around schools, hospitals, and transport hubs where pedestrian traffic is highest. However, the challenges are deeply entrenched. In many cities, usable footpaths are a rarity. A recent study found that nearly 44% of roads in New Delhi lack pavements entirely. Even where they exist, they are often poorly designed or maintained, forcing pedestrians onto dangerous, congested roads. This systemic failure has grim consequences, with pedestrians accounting for roughly one in five road fatalities in India.
The 'Drive' Cycle: A Familiar Pattern
The initial images of bulldozers and towed vehicles generate headlines, but seasoned citizens remain sceptical. India has a long history of ambitious enforcement 'drives' that start with a bang and end with a whimper. The cycle is predictable: a flurry of activity, temporary relief, and then a gradual slide back to the status quo as vigilance wanes and encroachers return. Past pedestrianisation projects, like those on Ajmal Khan Road and Chandni Chowk in Delhi, have shown that initial success can unravel without sustained funding, clear governance, and daily maintenance. The failure is often not in the initial intent but in the lack of a long-term strategy for compliance. Experts point out that India's problem is not a lack of laws but the poor implementation and enforcement by local authorities.
Beyond Enforcement: The Need for a Systemic Shift
True success for the 2,000km campaign—and for pedestrian safety in India—requires more than just periodic crackdowns. It demands a fundamental shift in both urban planning and public behaviour. This means redesigning roads with pedestrians as a priority, not an afterthought. It involves aggressive and consistent enforcement of traffic laws, from illegal parking to lane discipline, which Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has identified as a major national issue. Furthermore, there is a cultural component. The common attitude of 'chalta hai' (it's fine/let it be) contributes to a widespread disregard for rules. Lasting change will only come when safe footpaths are seen not as a privilege but as a non-negotiable part of civic infrastructure, a constitutional responsibility that authorities are held accountable for upholding day in and day out.
