top of page
Bbmp_logo (2).png

Revitalising Bengaluru's Public Spaces

ಬಯಸಿದಂತೆ ಬಯಲು

BLR-174

218-Bommanahalli

Area / Length:

1052 m

Main access road:

Bommanhalli Road

Nominee:

Melding Spaces

Firm / Company

Partner:

Activities:

Community events and festivals, Vending, Shopping, Eating, Waiting, Socialising

Issues:

Unsafe, Accident prone, No resting areas – There’s no seating or shaded space for people, especially workers walking long distances, Traffic chaos – Mixed traffic of pedestrians, two-wheelers, autos, and delivery trucks leads to frequent bottlenecks, Lack of safety for women – With poor lighting and no passive surveillance, the area feels unsafe after dark, No designated vendor zones – Informal shops and vendors operate without any structured layout or support infrastructure, Poor overall infrastructure – Uneven road surfaces, lack of signage

Importance of the site

I live about 2 kilometers from this stretch, and while I don't have a direct connection to it, I frequently pass through the area on my way to the Outer Ring Road. As an urban designer, the sheer vibrancy, density, and daily chaos of this place have always stood out to me. This stretch primarily serves a large community of blue-collar textile warehouse workers. The adjoining retail market caters specifically to them, with numerous small shops offering affordable goods. All of this activity is packed into a narrow corridor of roughly 12 to 13 meters, making it incredibly congested. The space comes alive—sometimes overwhelmingly so—especially between 5 and 6 PM, when hundreds of workers pour out of the warehouses. Many stop to pick up fruits and vegetables on their way to nearby bus stops or as they head home. At that time, the combination of pedestrian movement, informal vendors, and vehicular traffic creates a level of chaos that is difficult to navigate and clearly highlights the need for better planning and infrastructure. Though I’m not a resident of this immediate stretch, its intensity and human energy reflect a critical urban condition—one that deserves thoughtful design intervention to enhance both functionality and dignity for those who use it daily.

Proposed idea / vision:

I imagine transforming this stretch into a safe, inclusive, and vibrant public space that supports the daily routines of the many workers especially migrant women who use it. Currently, the commute along this corridor, which spans nearly 3 kilometers from the innermost warehouse cluster to the Begur bus stop, is highly congested and physically demanding. The lack of basic infrastructure such as proper lighting, continuous pedestrian pathways, and resting spots makes it an unpleasant and unsafe experience. My vision is to decongest the stretch and introduce targeted urban interventions at 2–3 key nodes that currently act as pressure points. These could serve as pause points or micro-public spaces offering shade, seating, safe crossings, and improved lighting. Thoughtfully designed sidewalks, dedicated vending zones, and organized movement corridors for pedestrians and vehicles would not only ease circulation but also enhance dignity and comfort—especially for the majority of women who use the space daily. The area already has so much energy - needs a little structure - Improving lighting, safety, and walkability would also support public health and wellbeing, reduce travel stress, and promote a sense of belonging in this high-density, working-class neighborhood. Overall, the idea is to stitch together functional improvements with human-centered design to create a safer, more inclusive, and environmentally conscious public realm.
bottom of page