India, May 7 -- In his first on-ground inspection since taking over, BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to overhaul footpaths in central Bengaluru, stressing the need to make the city more walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Rao, who walked a 2.5-km stretch covering Gubbi Thotadappa Road, Dhanwantri Road, Tank Bund Road, and the area around the Kempegowda Bus Stand (Majestic), issued strict instructions to build and maintain safe, obstruction-free footpaths. "Pedestrians must be prioritised in Bengaluru. Footpaths should be designed to ensure smooth and safe movement," he said during the visit.

Noting several issues in the area, Rao called for immediate repair of broken kerb stones and damaged slabs. He also dire...