Mumbai: In a significant shift, the Karnataka government has revised its advertising policy, potentially paving the way for commercial hoardings on Bengaluru’s footpaths. The new guidelines, notified on November 13, lift earlier restrictions and now allow advertisers to place hoardings on both private and public spaces—provided they obtain permission from the city corporation commissioner and pay the required ground rent.
This relaxation marks a sharp departure from the previous policy issued in July, which categorically stated, “There shall be no hoarding or advertisement on footpaths.” The revised version now reads, “There shall be no hoarding or advertisement on footpaths unless it is permitted by the city corporation… without causing any hindrance or annoyance to footpath users,” introducing an exception that critics fear could be misused.
The update comes amid growing concerns over pedestrian safety, with Bengaluru witnessing a rise in pedestrian fatalities. Footpaths in many parts of the city are already cluttered with garbage piles, shop encroachments, utility poles and even saplings, forcing walkers into traffic-heavy roads.
Industry players had earlier avoided bidding for citywide advertising rights, citing the stringent norms laid down by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The latest “industry-friendly” policy is expected to revive advertiser interest, but urban mobility experts warn that it could further compromise pedestrian rights in a city where walking is already a challenge.
With the new rules now in effect, the debate is expected to intensify over how Bengaluru balances commercial interests with the safety of its most vulnerable road users.
