Multiple bad stretches in Bengaluru expose gaps in BBMP’s pothole-filling exercise

BBMP fails to fill potholes, causing dangerous road conditions and increased travel time for commuters in Bengaluru.

Despite the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) promise of regularly filling potholes, many stretches of the city’s roads remain dangerous and unmotorable, riddled with what can well be called craters. Adding to the woes are the unfinished drain works on either side of some stretches and ongoing work in the middle of the road too on some stretches. These factors have together resulted in increased travel time for commuters, compelling them to spend long hours in the traffic.

The Hindu visited four stretches which are among the worst examples of abysmal road conditions, leading to multiple problems in the city.

Commuters find the stretch between Christ University and Meenakshi Mall on Bannerghatta Road unbearable. The 100-metre stretch, which also has a traffic signal, is riddled with potholes. What has worsened the situation is that a large pit dug by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is now left unattended and barricaded.

Mohammad Zaid, who runs a coffee shop near Christ University, said that on sunny days clouds of dust rise from the road and settle on the tables and during the rain, the road turns slushy. Every day at least two minor accidents occur on this stretch, he said. Ramesh S., an autorickshaw driver, said when the road was good it would take just three minutes to pass the signal and now during the peak hours it takes up to seven minutes. Bikers and auto drivers bear the brunt the most, he said, adding that when it is dark there is the risk of bikers falling into the pit.

Kamalesh S. (name changed), a multi-utility vehicle driver who frequently travels on the Outer Ring Road, has to wait for more than five minutes on the stretch where Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Road ends and Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road begins, close to Kadirenahalli underpass. The junction is popularly known as Dayanand college circle. 

Mr. Kamalesh said the road had remained the same for the past year. The BBMP has not asphalted the stretch and people are suffering because of that. While accidents have become common, the stretch also consumes the time of commuters. As the road is slightly steep near the signal, vehicles slide back before they start to move. This happens because drivers focus on avoiding potholes.

Many stretches on the Uttarahalli road are no different. Although the BBMP has re-asphalted the road, the bitumen layer has chipped off at many places and the patches are uneven.