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Footpath audit by B’luru student finds many barriers for vulnerable pedestrians

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: A footpath audit conducted by a student in the city has found that there are many barriers that make it difficult for pedestrians to use the footpaths, especially for vulnerable groups such as the disabled, senior citizens, pregnant women and children. While the video taken by the student raised the concerns of several Twitter users, it seems like the video has failed to grab the attention of the respective authorities to take action.

Shawn Thomas, a student of Joseph's College of Commerce and an intern at ActionAid Association shared a video where he conducted a footpath audit on Residency Road in Bengaluru. In the video, he highlighted that the footpath was in poor condition and seem not accessible for people with disabilities.

In the 2-minute 19-second video shot by him, he found that the footpath stretch was broken in 23 places, with 12 trees blocking the footpath, 18 curbs to step up or down, and four places where roots were protruding from the ground. While recording the video for his audit, he even almost tripped himself a few times, even though he was paying attention to the ground. He said that a person in a wheelchair would not be able to use the footpath at all.

"Pedestrians in a city of 1.4 crores need safe, even, and accessible footpaths that can be used by all sections of the society," said Raghavendra B Pachhapur, Senior Project Lead, Actiona Aid Association. "We are yet to see a hurdle-free and even surface and a safe footpath,” he added.

Netizens reacted to the video stating that this ground report shows that there is a need for more investment in footpath infrastructure in Bengaluru. Pachhapur added that the government should take steps to prevent state agencies from installing poles, booths, and boards on footpaths without considering the needs of pedestrians.

"At a time when we are all facing climate change, Bengaluru is planning to increase the speed of its vehicular traffic," said Pachhapur. " We haven't seen any moves to encourage pedestrians and walking in the city."

In a hope that his report will help make the footpath better for everyone, especially for vulnerable groups, Thomas told the News Trail correspondent that Residency Road was once considered to be one of the most pedestrian-friendly footpaths in Bengaluru, but that it is no longer in a good state. He called on the government to take action to improve the footpath and make it accessible for everyone.

The findings of the video audit are a reminder of the need for better footpath infrastructure in Bengaluru. The government should take steps to make footpaths more accessible to everyone, especially vulnerable groups.