Only promises, no hope for road users

Only promises, no hope for road users
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Time and again, protests of Bannerghatta Road users have fallen on deaf ears. After each protest, officials promptly promise to complete road works “within a short while’’. But as the voices die down, the work too ceases.

Tired of listening to promises and extended deadlines, more than 2,000 people from residential colonies, schools and colleges led a march on Saturday. But this was not the first time.

Students of Indian Institute of Management and residents had two months ago gathered to protest following which PWD Minister H.D. Revanna announced that work would begin to repair the road.

But patience is certainly wearing thin as was evident from the posters displayed on Saturday -- “Daily Rock and Shock on Bannerghatta Road’’ and “For abortions, asthma and ageing, stay on Bannerghatta Road’’.

The road from Arakere Gate to Meenakshi Temple is under a separate tender process and not part of the works from Jedi Mara junction to Arakere Gate. PWD has suspended repair works only on this stretch, earning the ire of the public.

“Not only has a budget of Rs. 9 crore has been allocated for a 4-km stretch, but funds have been released. But procedural delays within the PWD have held up repairs to such an extent that we are at our wits’ end,’’ said Nilanjan P. Choudhury, member of Mantri Residency Apartments Owners Association.

Following the protests, PWD executive engineer Nagappa has assured residents that tenders will be issued by February 28 and works commence from March 1. Single layering will be completed by March 31 and double layering by April 15, he added.

However, residents remain skeptical and the promises remain empty like the gaping potholes on the road.