Krishna Byre Gowda designates 1,500 km of Bengaluru roads as non-vending zones

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has instructed officials to mark 1,500 kilometers of roads as non-vending zones to improve pedestrian safety. This move is part of the Safe Footpath campaign set to launch on July 1, which comes after a Supreme Court ruling that upholds the right to safe footpaths.

BRIC Team

Jun 29, 2026 · 1 min read · 8 views

Krishna Byre Gowda designates 1,500 km of Bengaluru roads as non-vending zones

Key Takeaways

•Krishna Byre Gowda announced that 1,500 kilometers of roads in Bengaluru will become non-vending zones starting July 1.
•Bengaluru's road network spans approximately 15,000 kilometers, impacting pedestrian safety initiatives.
•The Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association claims officials are threatening vendors with eviction without an official order.
•The association argues for wider footpaths to benefit both pedestrians and vendors, citing the 2014 Street Vendors Act.
•Gowda emphasized adherence to a Supreme Court ruling recognizing the right to safe footpaths during a recent review meeting.

In a bid to boost pedestrian safety,Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda directed city officials: designate at least 1,500 km of major roads as non-vending zones. Part of Safe Footpath campaign,launching July 1.

At review meeting, Gowda stressed need to follow recent Supreme Court ruling on right to safe footpaths. Said Bengaluru's roads span ~15,000 km, but new rules hit only the 1,500 km marked . Elsewhere,vendors can stay if they don't block paths.

Officials tasked with listing roads for initiative,raising awareness among local shops,vendors, and issuing warnings to potential violators. If vendors ignore,authorities will clear encroachments.

But Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association has concerns. They claim Greater Bengaluru Authority officials already threaten vendors with eviction based on Gowda's remarks,even without official order. Association supports footpath safety focus but calls for wider paths for all.

“We are legitimate users of public space as envisaged under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014,”

the association stated Monday. Debate over public space in Bengaluru continues…

#Karnataka