Headline: Karnataka Government Declares 1,500 Km of Major Roads as Non-Vending Zones; Cites Safety and Traffic Concerns
Bengaluru, Karnataka – In a significant move aimed at regulating urban street vending and decongesting major traffic corridors, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced on Thursday that the state government has officially declared approximately 1,500 kilometres of arterial and sub-arterial roads across Karnataka as non-vending zones.
The declaration, which impacts major thoroughfares in Bengaluru and other key urban centres, effectively prohibits hawking and street vending activities along these high-density routes. The decision was formalised following a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister, which included senior officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Bengaluru Traffic Police, and the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority.
Targeting Traffic Congestion and Pedestrian Safety
Minister Gowda stated that the primary objective of the notification is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. “For years, unregulated vending on arterial roads has led to severe bottlenecks, unauthorised parking, and dangerous situations for both commuters and vendors,” Mr. Gowda said. “By designating these 1,500 km of roads as non-vending zones, we are prioritising the safety of citizens and the efficiency of our public transport systems.”
The decision comes in the wake of multiple directives from the Karnataka High Court, which has consistently stressed the need for clear, obstruction-free footpaths and carriageways. Officials noted that the identified corridors include major connections such as Outer Ring Road, NICE Road access points, key stretches of Old Madras Road, Tumkur Road, and several other primary connectors within the city and select district headquarters.
No Immediate Eviction; Focus on Rehabilitation
Addressing concerns raised by vendor associations, the Minister clarified that the move is not intended to deprive street vendors of their livelihoods. Instead, it is part of a structured reorganisation plan. “This is not an overnight eviction drive,” he assured. “We are working on a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Hawkers displaced from these critical stretches will be provided alternative designated vending zones in side lanes and less congested areas, complete with basic amenities.”
The government has directed the BBMP and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to conduct a detailed survey within the next two months to identify suitable alternate locations. The Karnataka Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, will be strictly adhered to during this transition.
Enforcement and Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure compliance, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, along with the Traffic Police, will begin a joint enforcement drive from next week. Vehicles found engaging in stationary vending or unauthorised loading/unloading on these stretches will face strict penalties. Mobile vending units operating on footpaths and carriageways of these 1,500 km of roads will also be subject to immediate action.
“We have a clear map of these zones. Our enforcement teams will be equipped with body cameras to ensure transparency,” added a senior BBMP official. Citizens are encouraged to report any violations through the ‘BBMP Sahaaya’ mobile application.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The announcement has received a cautious welcome from commuter groups, who have long complained about encroached footpaths forcing pedestrians onto main roads. “This is a bold and necessary step for Bengaluru’s infrastructure,” said K. S. Prabhu, a resident of J. P. Nagar and member of a local traffic advocacy group. “However, the success depends entirely on how quickly alternative spaces are provided.”
Conversely, the Karnataka Hawkers’ Union has expressed concern over the sudden scale of the declaration. “One thousand five hundred kilometres is a vast area. Our members depend on these arterial roads for their daily earnings. The government must ensure the alternative spots are commercially viable before enforcing the ban,” said union leader N. R. Krishnamurthy.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government’s declaration of 1,500 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads as non-vending zones marks a decisive step towards urban traffic management and pedestrian safety. While the long-term plan hinges on the effective rehabilitation of thousands of street vendors, the immediate focus remains on clearing critical corridors to ease congestion. As enforcement begins in the coming days, all eyes will be on the government’s ability to balance the needs of a mobile city with the rights of its informal workforce.