Broken footpaths force Bengaluru pedestrians onto busy roads

Pedestrians on Old Airport Road between Marathahalli and Kundalahalli Gate in Bengaluru are being forced to walk on the carriageway due to a series of obstructions on the footpath. The problem is worst near Kundalahalli Gate underpass, where a commercial complex has enclosed a section of the footpath within its compound, citing pending land compensation.

Residents said the stretch also suffers from waterlogging, parked and moving two-wheelers, tangled cables, Bescom equipment and a bus shelter. One resident said poor pedestrian infrastructure forces people to use cars even for short distances, contributing to traffic congestion. Another resident recalled an elderly man suffering a head injury after being hit by a bike while walking near the spot.

The stretch is part of the 19.5 km high-density corridor project being undertaken by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-Smile). A B-Smile assistant executive engineer said he has written to Bengaluru East City Corporation authorities about the issue, but faces hurdles from property owners and influential locals. He said the responsibility for clearing encroachments rests with corporation officials.