As Bengaluru grapples with the onset of the monsoon, the city’s deteriorating roads have sparked widespread concern among commuters and residents alike. Social media platforms are flooded with complaints about potholes and poorly maintained stretches, prompting civic authorities to take notice. Recent inspections reveal that key arterial routes, including Kanakapura Road, are in a state of disrepair, with a notable 3.5 km stretch from Doddakallasandra to Gubbalala becoming nearly impassable.
M. Lokesh, Chief Engineer of Road Infrastructure with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), shared that the civic body has identified 647 potholes, of which 313 have been filled. Work on the remaining potholes is reportedly underway. However, local residents express skepticism regarding the efficacy of these repairs, highlighting that even when addressed, potholes reappear quickly due to inadequate materials and methods. Commuters have voiced frustration over the temporary solutions, often involving a wet mix of mud and jelly stones that fail to withstand even a brief rain.
The dangers posed by these road conditions are underscored by recent accidents, including one involving a Thubarahalli resident who was run over by a water tanker after hitting a pothole, resulting in a leg amputation. These incidents, while tragic, are only the tip of the iceberg, as many accidents go unreported.
The situation has prompted calls for improvements beyond merely filling potholes. Citizens argue that a proper drainage system is essential to prevent waterlogging that contributes to road damage. “The lack of effective drainage and failure to desilt existing drains has led to severe water overflow,” stated Jagadish Reddy from Varthur Rising. Furthermore, Srivastava, Secretary of Changemakers of Kanakapura Road, noted that disruptions in the drainage network exacerbate the flooding and pothole problem.
Many of Bengaluru’s vital roadways, including the 4-km stretch between Varthur Kodi and Gunjur and major connections in Ashok Nagar and Jayanagar, remain plagued by potholes despite numerous complaints over the past months. Commuters like Muniraju, who traverses Ashok Nagar daily, express the difficulties posed by these hazardous conditions, while local resident Pramod L. emphasized the danger of navigating BSNL Road in Jayanagar.
In a recent review meeting, BBMP Administrator Tushar Giri Nath urged officials to accelerate pothole repairs. However, as of the last update, at least 82 road sections flagged by Bengaluru Traffic Police still faced unresolved waterlogging issues. Critics argue that without a comprehensive plan addressing drainage and road maintenance, the problem of potholes will only persist, especially during the rainy season.
As commuters brace for another season of treacherous roads, the urgency for effective solutions from civic authorities has never been more critical. With ongoing reports and damaging incidents, Bengaluru’s road infrastructure continues to demand immediate attention, leaving citizens anxious for a safer commute.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/with-monsoon-rains-pothole-menace-makes-a-comeback-with-a-vengeance-in-bengaluru/article69698579.ece
Category : Karnataka
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Publish Date: 2025-06-16 10:55:00
