Karnataka CM Shivakumar expands Bengaluru footpath clearance and vendor rehabilitation drive

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the Safe Footpath Campaign in Bengaluru has cleared 9,878 encroachments covering 435 km of footpaths across all five city corporations. The operation removed 1,340 shops, about 1,800 push‑carts, 2,267 tin sheet extensions, 2,300 steps and ramps, 2,662 pillars and boards, and 2,247 sheds, with debris disposed of and damaged footpaths repaired.

The state government says it will rehabilitate the roughly 60,000 street vendors affected, issuing identity cards and providing push‑carts, two‑wheelers or three‑wheelers for use in designated vending zones after business hours. Shivakumar warned that a “big mafia” was behind illegal occupations and cited more than 900 pedestrian deaths in recent years as a reason for the drive.

The campaign is being carried out under court directions, and officials say permanent structures on major roads will not be allowed.