Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday unveiled a comprehensive footpath policy aimed at reclaiming pedestrian spaces and easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru.
The announcement came after a joint meeting involving MLAs, civic authorities, and officials, where concerns over increasing encroachments on footpaths and worsening traffic conditions were discussed.
Focus On Clearing Encroachments
Shivakumar stressed that footpaths are meant for pedestrians and must be protected from encroachments, particularly by street vendors who often occupy key stretches of busy roads.
Under the new policy, vendors will be restricted to designated areas. Those currently operating on arterial and sub-arterial roads will be required to vacate, as their presence has been identified as a major contributor to both pedestrian inconvenience and traffic congestion.
The government is expected to soon release a list of roads where vending activities will be strictly prohibited.
Support And Regulation For Street Vendors
While enforcing restrictions, the government is also working on a structured system to support vendors. Around 60,000 street vendors have already been registered, with nearly half seeking assistance.
Plans include issuing identity cards and providing pushcarts or mobile units to help vendors operate in an organised manner. Vendors will also be required to remove their carts from public spaces after business hours to ensure roads and footpaths remain clear.
Crackdown On Illegal Parking
The policy also addresses the issue of unauthorised parking and abandoned vehicles, which significantly contribute to congestion in the city.
Authorities have identified four designated locations where such vehicles will be towed and stored, in coordination with the police, to prevent prolonged occupation of public roads.
Local Bodies To Decide Park Parking Rules
On parking regulations near parks, Shivakumar said the decision has been left to local civic bodies. These authorities will consult with legislators to frame area-specific rules that balance public convenience and traffic management.
A Step Towards Better Urban Mobility
The new measures are part of a broader effort by the Karnataka government to streamline traffic flow, reduce delays, and bring order to Bengaluru’s often chaotic road conditions.
With stricter enforcement and better planning, the administration hopes to restore pedestrian rights while ensuring smoother movement of vehicles across the city.