A video highlighting the poor condition of footpaths in Bengaluru has drawn attention online, with a man pointing out obstacles that he says make pedestrian spaces difficult to use, particularly for wheelchair users and parents with strollers.
(Also read: 'Tinder for footpaths': Bengaluru teen develops app where users can swipe, rate and report footpaths to BBMP)
The video was shared on Instagram by Rajat through his account @ouramericandream.vlogs. Walking through a part of Bengaluru, he documented broken and obstructed footpaths, parked vehicles, shops, poles and ongoing construction, repeatedly questioning how pedestrians are expected to navigate such spaces safely.
‘How would a person using a wheelchair get past this?’
“I’m in Bengaluru right now, standing in one of India’s biggest cities, and just look at the condition of the footpaths here. The moment you start walking, you can see this huge stone blocking the footpath. How is someone supposed to take a stroller through here? How would a person using a wheelchair get past this?” Rajat says in the clip.
As he continues walking, he claims the condition of the pavement eventually forces him onto the road.
{{/usCountry}}As he continues walking, he claims the condition of the pavement eventually forces him onto the road.
{{/usCountry}}“If I have to go ahead, where am I supposed to walk? This way? That way? Fine, let’s just walk on the road,” he says.
Pointing towards other obstacles, he adds, “Imagine if you were using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller or simply wanted to go jogging. This is the condition of the footpath you would have to deal with.”
He also points to shops occupying pedestrian space and questions the purpose of having pavements when people are eventually forced onto roads.
“So what is the point of having a footpath if pedestrians still have to walk on the road?” he asks.
Vehicles and other obstacles take over footpath
During the walk, Rajat also shows what appears to be a pole positioned along the pathway, construction work and a motorcycle using the footpath.
“Oh wow, now there’s a motorcycle on the footpath too. You go ahead first, brother. We pedestrians will walk after you,” he remarks.
The video was shared with the caption, “Dark reality of footpaths in India”.
Watch the clip here:
Internet reacts
The post prompted several reactions from social media users. One person wrote, “Pedestrians deserve better footpaths.” Another commented, “This is honestly so frustrating.”
(Also read: ‘Storage first, walkability last’: Bengaluru woman flags concrete barriers blocking footpath)
Others said the problem was not limited to Bengaluru. “Sadly, this is common in many cities,” one user wrote, while another agreed with the concerns raised in the video, saying, “This is very true.”
HT.com has reached out to the user for his comments, and the copy will be updated once his response is received.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)