For the past few months, motorists and pedestrians on Dinnur Main Road, especially those using the stretch between Pushpanjali Theatre and R.T. Nagar Police Station, have been braving numerous potholes and uneven surface. With the monsoon round the corner, they fear that this road may become a death trap.
Murthy, an autorickshaw driver, said that this narrow road sees a lot of traffic. “Our problems are compounded by the poor condition of the road. To cover a 2-km distance (R.T. Nagar Police Station to Kaval Byrasandra), it takes nearly 45 minutes. With no other alternative road, we have to not only spend extra time on travel, but also burn excess fuel,” he said.
Residents and those who work here said they had complained about the road's abysmal condition to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), but to no avail. “The road should be repaired before the rain and it has to be taken up quickly as commuting on the road during monsoon will be difficult. The rainwater filled potholes may even cause accidents,” said P.K. Sankar, a local resident.
Pedestrians here have to jostle for space on the cramped footpaths and are sometimes forced to walk on the road. Several petty shops line the footpaths, depriving pedestrians of their rightful space. Krishnamma Raju, a senior citizen, showed concern about what the state of the road would be when the monsoon is in full flow. “We have been suffering for the past six months. I am sure we cannot walk on this stretch when the monsoon sets in,” she added.
Ironically, when contacted, BBMP officials claimed that they were aware of the poor condition of the road. Krishna Swamy, Chief Engineer (East Zone), said, “Road improvement has been included in the programme of works of the local ward. We will take up the project soon after ascertaining the actual improvements that have to be taken up.” Until then, it appears the residents have to continue to put up with the hardship.
