BENGALURU: A recent report by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealed 576 pedestrians were injured and 160 pedestrians died in 2021, indicating that Bengaluru roads and footpaths are unsafe for citizens. In Karnataka’s pedestrian category, 4,266 people were injured and 1,631 died in 2021. Out of the total 1,62,369 cases in India, 7.7% of road accidents, that is, 12,528, which occurred in urban areas took place at pedestrian crossings.
Bengalureans have frequently complained about blocked or damaged footpaths, unfriendly public spaces, poor infrastructure and ignorance of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Near Lalbagh Botanical Garden Main and West gates, while the footpath is only four to five feet wide, the BBMP has been digging it further to erect electric polls 10-20 feet long, forcing pedestrians to get off the footpath to walk amidst heavy traffic.
Raghvendra Pacchapur, a resident of Lalbagh questioned, “When the civic body talks about sustainable mobility options and pedestrian-friendly places, why are they erecting huge poles? How will citizens walk?” He also pointed out that this makes the area prone to accidents.
In another location, poles erected on the footpath near BP Wadia Road and Basavanagudi post office junction are obstructing the movement of pedestrians and inconveniencing passersby as poles are smaller in height and have electric boxes attached at less than six feet.
The BBMP, in its 2023-24 budget, had promised to repair and construct new footpaths. In the last five months, Bengaluru Traffic Police has reported 1,553 accidents. Urban Planner and Citizen Activist, Srinivas Alavilli said, “The civic body doesn’t show the same concern for pedestrian services as it does for vehicular mobility and road infrastructure.” He also added that this negligence can be fatal for pedestrians and citizens should bring up the issue in ward-level committee meetings.