Underpass work delay blocks traffic, business

Underpass work delay blocks traffic, business

Kadirenahalli's traders worst hit as main road is dug up for project

Senthalir S. Bangalore

Life in Kadirenahalli has been thrown out of gear due to the slow progress in the construction of the 387.81-m Puttenahalli-Kadirenahalli underpass which began eight months ago.
Huge rocks, ditches and slush dot the area blocking traffic and business even as Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike ( BBMP) says it will take at least 18 months for the completion of the Rs 23-crore project.
The project was supposed to be completed in 10 months.
As traffic has been diverted, shopkeepers are lamenting over their losses.
"All was well for me until the underpass work started. From the time these roads were dug up, we are incurring huge losses in business. Our products made of Plaster of Paris were much in demand among customers. But as the customers began to find it difficult to pass through this stretch, their number came down drastically," Tulasi S said. She has been living in Bhavaninagar, Kadirenahalli Cross, for the past 30 years.
Naseer Khan, who works in her shop, said Tulasi used to earn at least Rs20,000 per month. But now she suffered 50 per cent loss.
Another shopkeeper, Raghavendra Reddy, is thinking of moving out. "I have had enough. I am looking for a place where I can move up fast. For the past eight months, I have incurred 70 per cent loss in business," he said.
Even students are not spared. With the diversion of traffic, they have to walk over 2km to Banashankari to board a bus to their respective colleges.
"Earlier, the bus-stop was close to our house. Now, we walk more than 2 km every day to reach the bus stand in Banashankari," said Selvi P, a resident of Bhavaninagar.
The residents face health risks too. The ditches holding stagnant water have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. "Mosquito menace has increased and we fear it is going to affect our health," Selvi said. Local residents are finding it difficult to navigate through the narrow roads with their vehicles. They complain that a portion of their homes would be demolished to give way for the underpass.
"BBMP officials have not issued any notice to us so far. But they have marked off 7m from the road saying that much area would be demolished for the underpass," said Chikkahonnaiah H, a resident, adding he might lose a major portion of his home.
At least 50 residents have filed a complaint with the corporation but there has been no response from the officials till date.Tightrope walking: Residents of Bavani Nagar cross a ditch. During night, this act could be doubly dangerous