Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday personally reviewed the ongoing footpath encroachment clearance drive in Bengaluru, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating a safer and more pedestrian-friendly city.
Accompanied by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and senior officials, the Chief Minister inspected the quality of newly reconstructed footpaths in HAL Airport Road, HSR Layout, Jayanagar 4th Block and Ashoka Pillar.
Sharing details on social media, Shivakumar said that safe, accessible and obstruction-free footpaths are essential for building a world-class Bengaluru.
He said that more than 430 kilometres of footpaths have already been restored for public use and asserted that the encroachment clearance drive would continue without fear or favour.
To protect the livelihoods of street vendors, the Chief Minister said the government would provide registered vendors with designated vending zones and pushcarts, ensuring that pedestrian pathways remain free while supporting small businesses.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Shivakumar noted that over 900 pedestrians have lost their lives in road accidents in Bengaluru over the past three years, underscoring the need for immediate intervention. He added that the drive would be expanded in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
The Chief Minister said the campaign would continue to remove abandoned vehicles, illegal encroachments and damaged footpaths across the city.
According to him, authorities have so far removed 9,878 encroachments, including encroachments by thousands of commercial establishments.
Shivakumar thanked citizens, elected representatives, government officials and volunteers for supporting the initiative and reiterated the government’s resolve to make Bengaluru cleaner, safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
