Walk at Your Own Risk: Bengaluru's Missing Pavements Fuel Rising Road Deaths
Despite detailed guidelines and money for upkeep, Bengaluru's footpaths remain broken, unsafe, and poorly maintained. There is some hope, but it's not enough, according to a new report.
The city's pavements, which should provide safe passage for pedestrians, are often missing or in disrepair, forcing people onto roads and increasing the risk of accidents. The report highlights that the lack of proper footpaths is a major contributor to the rising number of road deaths in Bengaluru.
Neglected Infrastructure
Photos from various locations, including Minsk Square, Bangarappanagar, Cottonpet, near Lokayukta Office, and Vidhana Soudha on Dr Ambedkar Road, show neglected, unsafe, and uneven footpaths. These conditions make walking hazardous, especially for the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
Despite the government allocating funds and issuing guidelines for footpath maintenance, the implementation has been poor. Many pavements are broken, encroached upon by vendors or parked vehicles, or have uneven surfaces that pose tripping hazards.
Rising Road Deaths
The lack of safe walking infrastructure has direct consequences. Pedestrians are forced to walk on roads, increasing their vulnerability to accidents. According to traffic police data, pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise, with many incidents occurring in areas where footpaths are either missing or unusable.
Experts argue that investing in proper pavements is not just a matter of convenience but a critical safety measure. Well-maintained footpaths can reduce pedestrian deaths by providing a dedicated space away from vehicular traffic.
Some Hope, but Not Enough
There have been some efforts to improve the situation. The Bengaluru civic body has undertaken projects to build new footpaths and repair existing ones. However, the pace of work is slow, and many areas remain neglected.
Citizen groups and activists have been pushing for better infrastructure, organizing walks and campaigns to highlight the issue. They demand that the government prioritize pedestrian safety and allocate sufficient funds for footpath maintenance.
The report concludes that while there is some hope, the current efforts are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Urgent action is needed to ensure that Bengaluru's pavements are safe and accessible for all.
