Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Bengaluru Minister Proposes Rs 5,000 Fine for Footpath Riding
A minister in Bengaluru wants to increase the fine for people who ride vehicles on footpaths from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.
This is because many people are riding on footpaths without fear of punishment, and there have been complaints.
The minister is worried about accidents involving pedestrians.
The increase is part of a campaign to keep footpaths clear, following orders from the Supreme Court to protect people's right to walk safely.
Bengaluru Urban Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda proposed increasing the penalty for riding vehicles on footpaths to Rs 5,000.
The current penalty for riding on footpaths in Karnataka is Rs 500.
The proposal comes amid the Safe Footpath campaign to remove encroachments from footpaths.
The campaign is part of the Supreme Court’s directives to safeguard the public’s right to walk.
Gowda expressed concern about motorists riding on cleared footpaths and the potential for accidents involving pedestrians.
- Who
- Bengaluru Urban Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda
- What
- Proposed increase in penalty for riding vehicles on footpaths to Rs 5,000
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Why
- To deter motorists from riding on footpaths and ensure pedestrian safety as part of the Safe Footpath campaign and Supreme Court directives
Increased Penalty Proponents
Opponents of Harsh Penalties
Penalty Increase
Increased Penalty Proponents
Proponents argue that a higher fine of Rs 5,000 will deter motorists from riding on footpaths, ensuring pedestrian safety and compliance with Supreme Court directives.
Opponents of Harsh Penalties
Opponents believe that a Rs 5,000 fine is excessively harsh and may disproportionately affect lower-income individuals, suggesting alternative measures like awareness campaigns and gradual penalty increases.
- Current Penalty
- Rs 500
- Proposed Penalty
- Rs 5,000
- Initiative
- Safe Footpath Campaign
- Authorities Involved
- Bengaluru Traffic Police, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)
- Supreme Court Directive
- Safeguard public's right to walk
