Condition of roads in BTM Layout worsens despite Chief Minister's visit

Condition of roads in BTM Layout worsens despite Chief Minister's visit
The Hindu

Officials may not be able to complete the work within the deadline

# Chief Minister after a visit on May 2 promised to direct officials to repair the roads
# Work, which was taken up afterhs visit, was stopped after two weeks
# Autorickshaws refuse to come to the area owing to poor condition of the roads


Bangalore: Two months after Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy promised to direct officials concerned to take up road repair works in 29th Main of BTM Layout, the situation has worsened, say residents.

The Chief Minister visited BTM Layout and Puttenahalli on May 2 at the request of the residents. Some residents met him and urged him to visit the area and direct the officials concerned to improve the infrastructure. He had then assured the residents that the road repair work would be completed within 90 days and promised to sanction Rs. 3.5 crore for the purpose. He had also said that the work, which included the beautification of the tank in the area, would be taken up in stages.

The residents did not want to reveal their names as they were fearful of incurring wrath of the local political vested interests.

"The condition of the road has actually worsened since the Chief Minister's visit. The road has been made one-way, but that has not helped us in any way," complained Meera (name changed), a resident.

Road dug up

The existing road has been dug up on one side. There is a two-foot difference. "It is difficult for us to use the road. Since one side has been dug up, it is difficult and dangerous for two-wheeler riders at night," she said.

Work was taken up soon after the Chief Minister's visit to the area. However, after two weeks, the work stopped and had not progressed much since. Residents complained that the work was progressing at a snail's pace. Once in a while, the authorities concerned reportedly appear with road rollers and earthmovers. But now, the machines have been parked by the roadside. There is no sign of the work being completed within the deadline set by the Chief Minister, another resident, on condition of anonymity, said.

Even heavy vehicles are finding it difficult to ply on it. Drivers of heavy vehicles said that they had no other option but to go round Bannerghatta and use small residential lanes around the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, to reach Hosur Road and go towards Sarjapura and Attibele. This is because heavy vehicles cannot ply on the flyover.

There had been instances when the vehicles got stuck in the loose soil after a spell of rain. Residents complained that since the road has been dug up on one side, those living on that side have not been able to take out their vehicles.

The loose soil on the road is also one of the main reasons for the increase in dust particles in the air. The vehicles plying on the road have added to the problem, a resident complained.

Autorickshaws refuse to come on hire to the area, mainly because of the poor condition of the entire stretch, which is 1.5 km. Residents said that it was unlikely that the officials would be able to complete all works and maintain the deadline set by the Chief Minister.