136 Pedestrians Killed in First Half of 2026 as Hebbal Junction Safety Concerns Grow

In the first six months of 2026, 136 pedestrians were killed and 664 were injured, highlighting a severe lack of safe road infrastructure at major junctions like Hebbal. Traffic police data and road safety experts have pointed to Hebbal as a primary gateway handling massive traffic volumes with minimal safe pedestrian crossings, alongside a poorly maintained subway at the Hebbal flyover.

According to data from the Traffic Police, pedestrian casualties have risen in 2026 compared to previous years, which recorded 292 pedestrian deaths in 2023 and 257 in 2025. An analysis by WRI India revealed that 64 percent of these pedestrian fatalities occurred near intersections. Additionally, the analysis showed that 50 percent of pedestrian deaths happen on the city's arterial network, while 20 percent occur near metro stations and bus stands.

Several fatal incidents occurred during this period. On June 23, 2026, a security guard was struck and killed by a water tanker while crossing the road near Gandhi Circle. Another pedestrian fatality was reported on the same night at the Medahalli flyover. Separately, on a Tuesday, a woman narrowly escaped after a speeding truck rammed into her from behind while she was walking on a road in Tumakuru.

A senior traffic police official stated that the high rate of casualties stems from both irresponsible pedestrian behavior and a lack of proper infrastructure. The official noted that pedestrians frequently cross busy junctions instead of using designated crossings, and some even climb over five-meter-wide medians on stretches like the Outer Ring Road.

To address these issues, the official urged civic agencies to clear footpaths of encroachments and ensure builders provide adequate basement parking so vehicles do not block pedestrian paths. The official specifically noted that existing facilities, such as the Hebbal flyover subway, require regular maintenance to encourage public use.

Arun Pai, the founder of Bengaluru Walks, emphasized that major gateways like Hebbal, KR Puram, Silk Board, and Goraguntepalya handle massive traffic but offer little safe infrastructure for pedestrians. Pai stated that junctions must be designed with pedestrians at the center, utilizing well-designed skywalks, safe crossings, pedestrian signals, and refuge islands to prevent inevitable crashes.