Oh these roads!: Failing infrastructure

Oh these roads!: Failing infrastructure
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The chief minister may think all is well with Bangalore roads, but citizens live a nightmare every time it rains heavily.

The damaged and gaping potholes depict the failing infrastructure, ill-conceived planning and shoddy execution.

Not even prominent roads are spared from this condition. For example, the 80 feet Koramangla road where leading software companies like Microland and Nes Technology have their offices, is no exception.

Prashant, a software professional said, ‘‘This is one of the important artery roads of Koramangala we have to cross every day”.

“Driving makes it hellish for the motorists. I have to often apply brakes and this leads the possibility of accidents.’’

The other major affected lines are Tilak Nagar to Banerghata Main Road crossing, Infantry Road, Pennya Industrial Area Road, Dickenson road, Ulsoor Road, Rajajinagar crossing, Swagat Theatre road, and roads leading from Bangalore Diary to Big Bazaar and from Games Village to Koramangla Ring Road.

According to a shopkeeper Venkataramana in Tilak Nagar, the roads are very risky after it rains. For two-wheelers the roads become slippery with slush.

It is risky for the pedestrian in water-logged areas to move as there can be potholes.‘‘In front of my shop these potholes pose a threat as I feel losing my customers.

The customers come and complain. But we are helpless,’’he added. The residents of these areas echoed the negligence of the authorities.

Increasing road mishaps have made road safety a matter of concern for them. ‘‘Roads wearing out after rain is a perennial problem”.

“I am seeing it for the past 25 years and it is without much change. Heavy rain makes the road dangerous and is prone to accidents.

The concerned authorities seem to lack any sense of civic responsibility,’’ said a resident of Rajajinagar.

It is high time for the Bangalore City Corporation to find way and means of ending this chaos on the roads.