Civic work on R.T. Nagar main road in Bengaluru affects local businesses, motorists and residents

Eateries clothing shops, stationery shops and hardware shops have reported a decline in business of up to 50% due to the construction work.

The ongoing white-topping by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and drainage work taken up by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has rendered the R.T. Nagar main road a muddy mess, causing inconvenience to residents, businesses and commuters.

White-topping work started roughly six months ago, and is expected to be completed by September 30.

B.S. Prahlad, Chief Engineer, BBMP, said, “The main road, which is currently an asphalt road, is being converted into a white-top concrete road. This is taking time. White-topped roads can last for the next 30 years. Hence, the nearby water drain and the footpaths are being remodelled. Further, certain utilities that were in the middle are being shifted to the side. All of this work will take some time.”

Eateries clothing shops, stationery shops and hardware shops have reported a decline in business of up to 50% due to the construction work.

“Our customers have decreased by 50% since the construction began. Since the roads are being dug up on both sides, there is very limited space available to park vehicles. The huge amount of dust pollution has made it very hard for us to attract clients,” said Faruq Ahmed, a cashier at a restaurant. He added that various eateries around the area have shut down as their business has taken a huge hit due to the construction. 

Sabana Begum, a resident, said, “I have definitely reduced stopping by the restaurants around this area due to the dust and constant traffic”.

Syed Saleem, the owner of a small hardware store on the main road, said, “The number of customers has drastically reduced since a good portion of the road has been occupied by construction material. The dust paired with the lack of parking space is becoming increasingly burdensome.”