Bengaluru’s crumbling roads and sluggish civic work are now taking a toll on school-going children. On Thursday morning, several school buses were trapped in traffic near Balagere T-Junction on Outer Ring Road for over an hour, causing students to miss their first class and endure long waits in muddy conditions.
The problem was worsened by heavy rains and ongoing construction work. While the Panathur S-Cross project crawls along, BBMP has started concrete work between Balagere T-Cross Junction and Panathur Railway Underpass, closing the road to traffic from August 6 to 10. Although alternative routes have been suggested, commuters claim they are in equally poor condition.
This stretch, heavily used by IT professionals and school buses, has become a nightmare for residents. Parents say despite being aware of the issue for months, authorities have failed to act. IT employee Muraj Mukundan shared that his daughter missed her first period as the bus, usually on time at 7:40 am, arrived at 8:30 am.
Residents say roads like Panathur Dinne Road and Silver Oak Road are nearly impassable, especially during rains. A 4-km traffic jam developed near Balagere T-Junction on Thursday, with slush and confusion adding to the chaos. Some parents, like Pavitra Holla, have even changed their child’s school to avoid the ordeal.
With no clear solution in sight, Whitefield Traffic Police warn the disruption may last till Sunday. Frustrated parents continue to question why their children must bear the brunt of official apathy and delays.