GBA Begins Major Drive to Reclaim Bengaluru's Roads and Footpaths

Bengaluru has launched a citywide crackdown on abandoned vehicles occupying roads, footpaths and other public spaces, marking a significant step towards improving urban mobility, pedestrian safety and civic governance. The initiative, spearheaded by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) , is aimed at reclaiming valuable public space, easing traffic bottlenecks and promoting responsible vehicle ownership in one of India's most congested metropolitan cities.

The special drive was inaugurated on Friday by Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Queens Road, where he affixed notices on abandoned vehicles in the presence of officials from the GBA and the Traffic Police . The campaign follows a public notice issued earlier this week, warning that vehicles left unattended for prolonged periods on roads, open spaces and other public areas would face strict action.

Being carried out under Section 324 of the GBA Act, 2024 , the operation involves all five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority in coordination with the Traffic Police. Officials will identify abandoned vehicles, affix warning notices and install wheel clamps, giving owners seven days to remove them. Vehicles that remain unclaimed after the notice period will be towed, seized and auctioned in accordance with statutory guidelines, with authorities clarifying that no ownership claims will be entertained after the auction.

Officials said the campaign is part of the GBA's broader urban governance reforms focused on creating cleaner, safer and more accessible public spaces. Urban planners note that abandoned vehicles not only consume valuable roadside parking but also obstruct pedestrian movement, reduce road capacity, hinder emergency services and contribute to visual blight and poor civic maintenance.

The initiative also complements Karnataka's ongoing Safe Footpath Campaign , under which nearly 430 kilometres of footpaths have already been cleared of encroachments since July 1. Authorities believe removing abandoned vehicles will further improve walkability and help restore footpaths for pedestrians, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Experts say Bengaluru's growing traffic congestion cannot be addressed solely through expensive infrastructure projects such as flyovers and Metro expansion. Better management of existing road space through coordinated enforcement, scientific parking policies and improved public transport is equally critical. By bringing together the GBA, city corporations and the Traffic Police under a common enforcement framework, the latest drive reflects a shift towards integrated urban management and greater civic accountability , while encouraging citizens to treat roads and public spaces as shared community assets rather than long-term parking areas.