Writing’s on the wall for Kempe Gowda Road

Writing’s on the wall for Kempe Gowda Road

Sharan Poovanna
First Published : 20 Jul 2010 05:22:27 AM IST

BANGALORE: Kempe Gowda Road (KG Road) has for long been the gateway for east and south Bangalore to the city bus stand and the railway station.

The area houses some of the oldest business houses that have played a significant role in shaping the city.

Markings on the wall are now threatening to take away much from the green cover and the buildings.

Buildings such as the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the State Bank of Mysore, old cinema houses and shopping complexes like Alankar Plaza will be ‘cut to size’ for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP’s) road widening project.

Srinivas, a road-side vendor, said he would not know where to take his shop if the pavement was removed.

“I have sold small items on this road here for a few years now and since the government is planning to broaden the road, I will lose my livelihood,” he said.

Manju, a tea stall owner, pointed out the green cover.

“This may be a very busy road but look at the natural protection of trees here,” he said, pointing to the big trees arching on both sides.