Bengaluru, June 20: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has urged the Karnataka Government to immediately table and implement the Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022, stating that citizens are demanding stronger legal protection for pedestrians and safer urban mobility infrastructure.
His remarks come in the wake of a recent Supreme Court observation recognizing the right to walk safely on public footpaths as an integral aspect of citizens’ rights, placing greater responsibility on state governments and urban local bodies to ensure pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
In a post on X, Surya said there is an urgent need for Karnataka to enact legislation dedicated to active mobility and pedestrian rights. He noted that the Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, drafted and introduced during the previous BJP-led state government, had received positive feedback from citizens and urban mobility stakeholders.
“The Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022 was well received by citizens and urban planning experts. It should be brought before the legislature and implemented without further delay,” Surya said.
Raises Concerns Over Bengaluru’s Footpaths
The Bengaluru South MP expressed concern over the current condition of footpaths across the city, alleging that a large number of pedestrian pathways remain inaccessible and unsafe.
According to Surya, Bengaluru’s footpaths are often poorly maintained, encroached upon by various structures, and lack basic accessibility features, making them difficult for citizens to use safely.
He said improving walkability must become a core component of urban planning and governance in Bengaluru, especially as the city continues to face mounting traffic congestion and mobility challenges.
Calls for Government Action
Surya urged the state government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to prioritise the legislation and move forward with its implementation.
He also called upon Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to take immediate steps to improve pedestrian infrastructure and ensure that walkability becomes a central objective of Bengaluru’s development agenda.
Long-Time Advocate of Walkability
The MP has consistently advocated for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, active mobility solutions, and mass rapid transit systems as sustainable answers to Bengaluru’s traffic and congestion issues.
He has repeatedly argued that safe footpaths, cycling infrastructure, and efficient public transport are essential for reducing dependence on private vehicles and improving last-mile connectivity.
Surya maintained that creating safe, accessible and continuous pedestrian networks would not only improve mobility but also enhance the quality of life for Bengaluru’s residents, making the city more inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
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