Bengaluru Senior Fights for Pedestrian Safety

After 11 Years, 80-Year-Old Files PIL for Safe Footpaths

Vijaykumar D V, an 80-year-old Bengaluru resident, has taken a big step. After 11 years of trying, he filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the high court. He wants safe footpaths for everyone in Bengaluru.

Why Vijaykumar Filed the PIL

Vijaykumar’s PIL is against the state government, BBMP, and DULT. He wants them to build proper footpaths. He also asks for a special team to make sure this happens. “Walking safely is a basic right,” he says. “This is about fairness and respect for everyone.”

A Dangerous Daily Walk

Vijaykumar moved to Bengaluru from Chitradurga at 69. He wanted a peaceful retirement. But every day, just to reach the bus stop on Tank Bund Road, he risked his life. With no proper footpaths, he had to walk on busy roads with fast-moving traffic.

Ten Years of Trying

For over ten years, Vijaykumar did everything he could:

• Filed RTIs
• Met with BBMP officials

But nothing changed. “Filing a PIL was my last choice,” he says.

The Moment That Changed Everything

In June 2014, Vijaykumar saw something that stayed with him. A man with crutches and a visually challenged woman were struggling to walk on the road. He realized he wasn’t alone in this fight.

Ignored Responsibilities

In 2019, Vijaykumar met the area engineer and the then BBMP commissioner. They agreed that building footpaths was their duty. Yet, nothing was done.

Wrong Priorities

Vijaykumar believes BBMP focuses on the wrong things. They spend a lot on:

• Roadworks
• Flyovers
• Underpasses

But what about safe footpaths? “Today, what we call footpaths are just open drains with some uneven stone slabs,” he says.