Bengaluru road shut, commuters bear the brunt of delayed roadworks as broken lanes and open drains make daily travel a hazardous journey.
Commuters in Bengaluru faced a frustrating ordeal as a major road closure along the Panathur-Balagere corridor forced motorists to navigate broken lanes and open drains for several days. The road, originally closed for white-topping/concretisation work, was supposed to reopen by the end of October, but delays by civic agencies extended the closure, causing widespread inconvenience and anger among daily commuters.
A viral video circulating on social media captured vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and auto-rickshaws, struggling through trench-like paths and uneven surfaces. Many commuters resorted to using service lanes and dirt tracks to reach their destinations safely, highlighting the risks posed by the prolonged disruption. The footage sparked widespread debate online about civic responsibility and government accountability in ensuring safe and functional urban infrastructure.
Social media reactions have been sharply critical:
- One user wrote, “Side effects of giving freebies in Karnataka … Because of freebies money shortage is happening. Due to that the development works stops or becomes slow.”
- Another commented sarcastically, “Maybe talking in Kannada would fix this. People and Government are busy fighting this issue.”
- Others pointed out, “Does it look like a road? No, because it’s not the road…” when observing the hazardous conditions captured in the video.
Impact on commuters:
- Daily travel times increased significantly, with motorists risking accidents on broken lanes and open drains.
- Safety hazards became a major concern, especially for two-wheeler riders navigating narrow, uneven paths and open drains.
- The lack of clear communication from civic authorities and insufficient signage added to the confusion and frustration.
- Local businesses were also affected as delivery vehicles and customers faced delays and difficulty accessing shops along the route.
Underlying issues:
- The incident underscores gaps in urban infrastructure planning and execution in Bengaluru.
- Delays in completing road projects highlight challenges in resource allocation, coordination, and project management within civic agencies.
- Alternative routes or temporary arrangements were insufficient, exposing commuters to risks and inconvenience.
- Public frustration is compounded by the perception that political debates and language controversies sometimes take precedence over urgent civic concerns, as reflected in online discussions.
Authorities’ response:
- The Bengaluru Traffic Police advised motorists to take alternate routes and exercise caution.
- The civic agency responsible for the construction has stated that work is ongoing and is expected to be completed soon, but no specific timeline was provided.
- Experts suggest better project management, clear communication, and contingency planning to avoid similar commuter crises in the future.
Conclusion:
A routine road upgrade turned into a major commuter crisis, bringing Bengaluru’s infrastructure issues into sharp focus. The viral video of motorists navigating open drains and broken lanes has sparked outrage online and emphasises the need for improved planning, transparent communication, and accountability from civic authorities. Ensuring safe and accessible roads should be prioritised to prevent daily commuters from facing such hazardous conditions.
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Author: Team BTP
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