Hundreds protest poor road conditions between Gunjur and Varthur Kodi
Hundreds of residents from multiple housing societies gathered along Varthur Road on Saturday morning to form a peaceful human chain, demanding urgent repairs on the dangerously damaged stretch between Gunjur and Varthur Kodi.
The protest was organised in front of Prestige Lakeside Habitat, with residents—including children and senior citizens—holding placards calling for safer roads. “The condition of this road is pathetic, with potholes everywhere. It is disheartening that one protester returning home even fell and got injured,” said Ajith Kumar, a resident of Prestige Lakeside Habitat.
Commuters struggle on damaged roads
Daily commuters described the situation as unbearable. The two-kilometre stretch between Vinayak Nagara and Varthur Police Station, which should take less than five minutes to traverse, now requires at least 40 minutes at any time of the day. Residents highlighted that the poor road conditions not only waste time but also increase accident risks and cause health hazards due to dust and debris.
Swetha Rangaswamy, a member of the Individual Tax Payer’s Forum, emphasised that the protest was not politically motivated but a plea for accountability. “We pay tax, so we are entitled to ask questions. Poor road conditions have made daily commuting unsafe. Refund the taxes we have paid, and we will maintain the roads ourselves,” she said.
Peaceful demonstration sends strong message
Protesters ensured the demonstration remained peaceful and non-disruptive to traffic, focusing solely on drawing attention to the urgent need for repairs. The united action of societies along the route conveyed a clear message to authorities: the community will no longer tolerate crumbling infrastructure and unsafe roads.
Saturday’s protest was aimed not just at highlighting potholes but also at demanding dignity, safety, and accountability for every commuter using this vital stretch daily.