Just three days of rain and the dreaded potholes have started making an appearance again on the city’s roads. Commuters have been reporting potholes on Bannerghatta Road, Mysuru Road, Jayanagar, Kasturba Road and certain parts of Koramangala and Indiranagar.
“A few days ago, there were no potholes, but the intermittent showers have brought them back. Even though the road is not very old, it has given away just after three days of rain. This shows the quality of road work. The stretch between the Indian Institute of Management and Jeedimara Junction is especially bad. With the Metro construction also going on, it is nightmarish to drive on the road,” said Srinivas Alavalli, a resident of Bannerghatta Road.
Following a series of pothole deaths in 2017 and the rash of negative publicity that followed, the BBMP had filled potholes on a war footing. Some roads were also relaid just before the elections. “But the rains have exposed the quality of work,” he said.
A similar problem was reported in Jayanagar. The stretch opposite 9th Block bus stop, for instance, was dug up for civic work, but the rains have turned the spot dangerous, said a resident.
“There are some potholes as a result of the rains, but the number is relatively less. We are just hoping that the relaying, which was done recently, will hold up,” said N. Mukund from Jayanagar 5th Block Residents Association.
Even in the heart of the city, the road has given away on Kasturba Road and Jewel de Paragon junction on Cubbon Road, and many other places.
White-topped stretches seem to be faring better. “While there are lot of potholes after the rains near the Sony signal junction, the partially white-topped Koramangala 20th Main Road does not show any wear and tear,” said Preeti K., a resident of Koramangala.
It is a smooth drive on the white-topped road from KIMCO junction on Mysuru Road towards the city. However, the road from Nayandahalli flyover to Kengeri is a mess. “The road was recently laid after Metro work, but now is battered. It is very difficult to drive on it,” said Sridhar Kumar, a regular commuter.
Despite the flood of complaints, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) official said the civic body is well prepared for the monsoons. “We are already clearing drains vents to ensure that there is no water logging. Potholes tend to appear after rains, but as most roads are new, the problem should not arise. Moreover, in the tender clause, the contractor is charged with maintaining the roads. In case of potholes, we will ensure the contractors fill them on priority basis,” said Mayor R. Sampath Raj.
