Bengaluru: Residents of several housing societies staged a peaceful protest along Varthur Road on Saturday, urging authorities to take immediate action to repair potholes and improve road infrastructure.
Protest highlights safety concerns
Protesters, including children and senior citizens, gathered near Prestige Lakeside Habitat, holding placards calling for safer roads. They demanded urgent development of the Varthur–Gunjur stretch, which has reportedly become hazardous due to poor maintenance.
Residents cited multiple accidents along the stretch and called for resurfacing of the road, installation of traffic signals and turn-overs, and long-term infrastructure upgrades to ensure safer commuting. One protester highlighted that the roads were so riddled with potholes that parents feared letting their children cycle.
Police intervention and protest regulations
While the demonstration remained peaceful, police intervened, noting that protesters lacked permission and reminding them that Freedom Park is the only designated venue for protests in Bengaluru. No untoward incidents were reported.
Government response
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing potholes in Bengaluru. He stated that the issue is being tackled systematically and urged political opponents not to politicise the matter.
Shivakumar added, “No one intentionally creates potholes, but they surface due to excessive rain. More than 7,000 potholes have already been filled, and about 5,000 more are yet to be addressed.” He also mentioned that a report has been sought from the Police Commissioner and that a system is now in place for the public to report potholes whenever they notice them.
Conclusion
The protest underscores residents’ growing concern over road safety in Bengaluru, particularly in stretches like Varthur–Gunjur. With government efforts ongoing and public reporting mechanisms in place, authorities aim to improve commuting safety and prevent accidents caused by poor road conditions.