NIGHTMARE on WHEELS

NIGHTMARE on WHEELS
Narrow roads and traffic restrictions in view of underpass work make commuting in Benson Town a harrowing experience
Aarthi R | TNN

Bangalore: Roads in and around Benson Town present a nightmarish experience for motorists and pedestrians. There is confusion at any given time due to prolonged civic works and traffic restrictions. Besides, the pitiable state of most of these roads calls for regular maintenance.
Traffic volume has significantly increased here over the past few years, as the area connects to many major roads. Traffic restrictions on Miller’s Road, due to work on approach roads to the underpass near Cantonment railway station, adds to the problem.
M Srinivasa Naidu, a retired railways employee, is one of the three men who help manage traffic at the narrow stretch connecting Benson Town to Miller’s Road. Though the three — one of them is physically challenged — work by shifts to ensure smooth flow of traffic, there are times when they are helpless. There are no railings between the main road below and this lane, making it all the more dangerous. Naidu found a broken helmet to add to his collection on Wednesday. There were no eye witnesses to the accident, but he says the state of the helmet explains a lot.
Though many wide roads in the city are one-ways, this narrow lane with space just enough for a small car to pass at a time, is still a two-way road. “At times, a tempo or a truck blocks the entire stretch. Incessant honking by impatient motirists does not help matters,” says Naidu. Motorcyclists are especially at risk of meeting with an accident here. A car has to reverse twice to take the turn into the road.
The wide roads in the area are no better. Bore Bank Road, a prestigious landmark for residents of Benson Town, also connects to Millers Road. Many take this road to avoid the congested Netaji Road and Mosque Road. However, even this road is full of potholes. Work on the drains along its sides regularly interrupts traffic as no barricades are put up. This not only endangers the workers, but also inconveniences motorists.
Sewage sometimes overflows from the manholes right in the middle of the road. “On Wednesday morning, a manhole was left open for some work. This is not the first time this has happened,’’ says S M Abu Beker, who lives nearby. Residents complain of regular damage caused to drinking water pipelines here. The overflowing water reaches as far away as Tannery Road.
The residents have tried complaining to various authorities, but the condition of the roads has remained the same for many years. Giridhar, a resident here for the past 40 years, says: “There is no use of complaining as nobody listens to us. What we need is a permanent relief to these basic issues. Much of it depends on regular maintenance.”
Harris Road and Benson Road, like all the other roads here, are prone to potholes as they are not periodically asphalted. Blind curves on these lanes pose a danger to not only motorists, but also pedestrians as there are no free footpaths. Most pavements along these roads are either damaged, or occupied by parked vehicles.

Construction of an underpass near the Cantonment railway station hampers traffic


Sewage overflowed onto Bore Bank Road as a manhole was left open on Wednesday


This lane, connecting Benson Town to Miller’s Road, is perpetually choked