Bengaluru North City Corporation will begin a large-scale footpath encroachment clearance and maintenance drive from July 1, covering 100 km in the first phase to improve pedestrian safety
The Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) has announced a major footpath encroachment clearance and maintenance initiative beginning July 1. The first phase will cover 100 km of footpaths across the city, with around 15 km identified in each division. Officials have also been directed to intensify patrols to prevent fresh encroachments and ensure safe, pedestrian-friendly footpaths.
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) will launch a comprehensive footpath encroachment clearance and maintenance drive from July 1, with the first phase targeting 100 kilometres of footpaths across its jurisdiction. The initiative aims to reclaim pedestrian spaces occupied by encroachments, debris and other obstructions while improving the city's walkability.
The decision was announced during a review meeting chaired by BNCC Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar, who directed officials to treat footpath restoration as a top priority in line with the directions of Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Bengaluru Footpath Encroachment Drive to Begin on July 1
Addressing senior officials, Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said special measures would be implemented from July 1 to ensure that footpaths across Bengaluru remain accessible, safe and convenient for pedestrians.
He noted that several footpaths across the city have become unusable due to illegal encroachments, accumulated debris and other obstacles that force pedestrians onto busy roads.
The Commissioner instructed officials to identify all such locations and undertake necessary civil works to restore uninterrupted pedestrian movement.
"Footpaths should be made safe, accessible and convenient for public use by removing encroachments and other obstructions," the Commissioner directed.
Bengaluru 100 Km of Footpaths Identified in the First Phase
According to BNCC, funds have been earmarked in the 2026-27 Budget for the maintenance and development of 1,000 kilometres of footpaths within the corporation's limits.
The tender process has already been completed, and work orders are currently being issued to contractors.
As part of the first phase, approximately 100 kilometres of footpaths will be taken up for maintenance and redevelopment. Officials have been instructed to identify around 15 kilometres of footpaths in each division for immediate execution.
Executive Engineers have also been directed to submit detailed lists of footpaths requiring repairs, redevelopment and maintenance.
The meeting further reviewed the process for awarding maintenance contracts and carrying out civil infrastructure works wherever required.
"The first phase of the project will focus on improving nearly 100 kilometres of footpaths across the corporation's limits."
BNCC Orders Stronger Patrols to Prevent Re-Encroachment
To ensure that cleared footpaths remain free from fresh encroachments, the Commissioner directed officials to strengthen both daytime and nighttime enforcement.
The Corporation will deploy marshals along with two existing Prahari vehicles and two newly inducted Prahari vehicles to monitor vulnerable stretches.
Each patrol vehicle will have two marshals assigned to conduct continuous surveillance and take immediate action against fresh encroachments.
Officials said the enhanced enforcement mechanism is expected to discourage illegal occupation of pedestrian pathways after restoration works are completed.
Focus on Safer and Pedestrian-Friendly Bengaluru
The Commissioner reiterated BNCC's commitment to improving footpath infrastructure along arterial roads, sub-arterial roads and major city roads.
He said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to create a safer, cleaner and more pedestrian-friendly urban environment across Bengaluru.
By improving walkability and ensuring uninterrupted pedestrian access, the Corporation aims to enhance public convenience while reducing safety risks caused by damaged or obstructed footpaths.
The Corporation is expected to begin implementation of the footpath restoration programme from July 1, with regular monitoring to ensure timely completion of the first phase.
