In a major push towards sustainable urban mobility and better public spaces, Bengaluru is set to receive ₹124.5 crore for a range of development works focused on pedestrians, traffic management, and greening initiatives. The funding comes under the Chief Minister’s Nava Nagaroththana Scheme, aimed at transforming the urban experience in fast-growing cities like Bengaluru.
The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio. Speaking after chairing a meeting with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials, Shivakumar said the funds would be used for multiple civic works, with a priority on creating a more walkable, greener, and better-managed city.
Of the total ₹124.5 crore, ₹50 crore has been earmarked specifically for developing footpaths across major roads in Bengaluru. This is expected to significantly improve pedestrian safety and mobility—an area where the city has long struggled due to encroachments and poorly maintained pavements.
Another ₹50 crore will go towards redesigning and improving key traffic junctions in the city. Traffic congestion is one of Bengaluru’s biggest urban challenges, and the government hopes that upgrading junctions will ease vehicle flow and reduce bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.
The remaining ₹24.5 crore is allocated for enhancing green spaces across the city. This includes the development of new parks and the rejuvenation of existing ones, particularly in newly added BBMP zones. Officials noted that urban greenery plays a critical role in improving air quality, reducing heat, and providing recreational spaces for residents.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the goal is to make Bengaluru not just a city of IT parks and tech hubs, but also a city that is livable, walkable, and environmentally conscious. He added that improving pedestrian infrastructure and green cover will ultimately benefit every resident, regardless of whether they use private vehicles or public transport.
Shivakumar directed BBMP officials to priorities footpath and traffic projects on key arterial roads like Outer Ring Road, Hosur Road, Bellary Road, and Old Airport Road, which see some of the heaviest pedestrian and vehicular traffic. He stressed the importance of using durable, high-quality materials and ensuring long-term maintenance so that these civic assets remain functional and safe.
The Nava Nagaroththana Scheme under which this funding is being routed aims at comprehensive urban upgrades across various sectors, including water supply, stormwater drainage, solid waste management, and infrastructure for non-motorized transport. In Bengaluru’s case, the focus for this round of funding is clearly on improving the pedestrian experience and reducing traffic congestion through smart planning.
Urban planning experts have welcomed the move, noting that Bengaluru’s infrastructure growth has often prioritised motor vehicles over pedestrians and cyclists. Many also highlighted that simply building infrastructure is not enough—there must also be enforcement against footpath encroachments, parking violations, and poor maintenance, all of which reduce the usability of public infrastructure.
Citizens and civic groups have repeatedly voiced concerns over the poor condition of pavements, lack of pedestrian crossings, and unsafe junctions. This new funding could go a long way in addressing some of those issues, provided the works are executed effectively and without delays.
BBMP officials have been instructed to begin work immediately and to consult with ward-level engineers and citizen groups for better on-ground coordination. The government has also proposed adopting smart solutions like synchronized traffic signals, pedestrian countdown timers, and improved signage at revamped junctions.
In a city known for its traffic snarls and crumbling pavements, this ₹124.5 crore investment offers a ray of hope. If executed well, the initiative could mark a turning point in making Bengaluru safer and more accessible for pedestrians while easing the city’s chronic traffic woes.
