A huge pit dug by the BWSSB on the bad Bannerghatta road near Meenakshi Mall in Bengaluru has created problems for commuters. | Photo Credit: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH
Despite the promise of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to fill potholes regularly, many roads in the city remain dangerous and impassable for motoring, which can be called craters. Adding to the woes are the unfinished drainage works on both sides and ongoing work in the middle of the road as well as on some roads. These factors lead to increased travel time for commuters, forcing them to spend long hours in traffic.
The Hindu opened four stretches which include the worst examples of abysmal road conditions, leading to several problems in the city.
Regards 1
Commuters find the distance between Christ University and Meenakshi Mall on Bannerghatta Road unbearable. It is 100 meters long, which also has traffic signs, full of potholes. Making matters worse is that the big wells dug by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) are now unguarded and barricaded.
Mohammad Zaid, who runs a coffee shop near Christ University, said that during the day a cloud of dust rises from the road and settles on the table and when it rains, the road becomes slushy. Every day there are at least two minor accidents in this area, he said. Ramesh S., an autorickshaw driver, said that if the road was good it would take only three minutes to pass the signal and now in rush hour it takes up to seven minutes. Bikers and car drivers bear most of the burden, he said, adding that when it’s dark there is a risk of bikers falling into pits.
Renganis 2
Poor road condition at Dayanand college junction near Kadirenahalli underpass led to several accidents. | Photo Credit: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH
Kamalesh S. (name changed), a multi-utility vehicle driver who frequently travels on the Outer Ring Road, had to wait for more than five minutes at the point where Dr Puneeth Rajkumar Road ends and Dr Vishnuvardhan Road begins, near the Kadirenahalli Underpass. The intersection is popularly known as Dayanand College Circle.
Mr. Kamalesh said that the route remained the same as last year. BBMP has not made asphalt and people are suffering because of it. While accidents are common, the stretch also consumes passengers’ time. As the road is quite steep near the signal, the vehicle reverses before starting to move. This happens because drivers focus on avoiding potholes.
Stretch 3
The half-finished repair work poses a danger to motorists on Dr. Vishnuvardhan at Uttarahalli in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH
Many stretches on Uttarahalli road are no different. Although the BBMP has re-paved the road, the bitumen layer has chipped off in many places and the patch is uneven.
Laxman M., who runs a small shop on this road, said, “I have met several accident victims here. When it rains, the potholes are not visible because they are filled with water. Bikers tend to lose their balance while negotiating the potholes. Many residents file complaints but they do not there is a change,” he said.
Renganis 4
Less than 100 meters from Garudacharpalya Metro Station, an important intersection connecting ITPL Main Road and Kundalahalli Main Road, with several large apartment complexes and technology parks nearby, there are at least 10 to 20 potholes between one and four feet deep.
Residents of the area said the potholes appeared almost four months ago, months after a nearby drain began flooding the road. Now, potholes full of sewage cause severe traffic jams in the morning and evening.
Located in clusters at points where vehicles make turns, potholes cause incoming traffic to slow down and create traffic jams all along. Kumar, who owns a tea stall at the junction, said, “For two hours every morning and evening there is a traffic jam here for about 300 meters. While turning, vehicles often bump into each other, resulting in more and more traffic jams.
A BBMP officer from the road infrastructure department said that pothole filling exercises are dynamic. “BBMP does this work every day based on the input received from citizens and traffic police. There are some bad ones and that too will be rectified,” the official said.
