Encroachments on 5th Main Footpaths in Vijayanagar Force Pedestrians onto Road

Pedestrians along 5th Main in Vijayanagar are being forced onto the road due to widespread footpath encroachments by commercial establishments, vendors, and property owners, despite ongoing anti-encroachment drives conducted by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

The entire stretch of the footpath on 5th Main near Veeresh Theater has been obstructed by various structures and businesses. Senior citizens, daily commuters, and bus passengers heading to nearby stops have reported severe difficulties navigating the corridor safely.

According to residents, pushcarts, petty shops, ramps, flower pots, parked vehicles, and accumulated waste have drastically reduced usable walking space along the busy stretch. Adjacent to the BSNL compound wall on 5th Main, the footpath is completely blocked by two eateries, alongside pushcarts and abandoned petty shops.

T Ramu of the Vijayanagar Senior Citizens Forum stated that residents previously had to approach the Karnataka Lokayukta to clear encroachments on Food Street in the adjacent neighbourhood. He urged GBA engineers to clear the footpaths on 5th Main to prevent pedestrians from being exposed to vehicular traffic and road accidents.

Other obstructions include a ramp and flower pots constructed on the footpath by a private hospital, which blocks public access. Pedestrians have called on civic engineers to remove the private installation. Additionally, a car detailing shop has placed a wire mesh fence across the walkway, with workers washing, cleaning, and parking vehicles directly on the pedestrian path.

Pedestrians also noted that sections of the footpath near the bus stop have turned into dumping areas for garbage and fallen tree branches.

Addressing the issue, Bengaluru West City Corporation (BWCC) Assistant Engineer Naveen stated that corporation employees have been engaged with SIR assignments. He noted that encroachments on several footpaths in Vijayanagar have already been removed and assured that the remaining obstructions on 5th Main will be cleared shortly.