Mangaluru: Hanging cables on footpaths raise safety concerns despite Smart City status

Mangaluru: Hanging cables on footpaths raise safety concerns despite Smart City status

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 2, 2026: While several footpaths in Mangaluru have been upgraded under the Smart City project, residents have raised concerns over the growing menace of hanging and damaged cables obstructing pedestrian walkways across the city.

Known for its educational institutions, healthcare facilities, religious centres, port, beaches, industries, and tourism, Mangaluru has earned recognition as a Smart City. However, citizens say the city’s appearance and pedestrian safety are being compromised by poorly managed overhead cables installed by various utility and telecom companies.

In many parts of the city, cables are seen hanging from electric poles and stretching across footpaths, resembling tangled tree roots and vines. In several locations, broken cables have been left lying on pedestrian pathways, posing a serious hazard to commuters.

Residents claim that schoolchildren and pedestrians have tripped over these cables, resulting in injuries. Despite the safety risks, they allege that the departments concerned have failed to take timely action to remove or secure the cables.

Citizens have questioned how such installations were permitted on busy roads used by thousands of people every day and have urged the authorities to prioritise public safety. They have also called on civic officials and elected representatives to ensure that hanging cables are properly managed, take action against those responsible for violations, and work towards making Mangaluru’s streets cable-free to enhance both safety and the city’s overall appearance.