Bengaluru: Residents of Choodasandra in Anekal taluk have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of roads in their locality, highlighting the growing risk of accidents and the lack of timely intervention by authorities.
The issue adds to Bengaluru’s ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly regarding road maintenance and urban planning in rapidly expanding suburban areas.
Daily commute turns painful for residents
Residents say the poor condition of roads has made daily commuting both difficult and unsafe. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and damaged stretches have become a persistent problem, affecting motorists and pedestrians alike.
A seven-month pregnant woman living in the area, who wished to remain anonymous, described the physical discomfort she faces while travelling. She said that even short distances cause severe pain due to the constant jolts from pothole-ridden roads.
Initially, she relied on autorickshaws for transport but had to switch to travelling by car due to safety concerns. However, she added that even car journeys are far from smooth, often requiring breaks due to the strain caused by the road conditions. She uses the same route daily to reach a hospital, making the situation even more challenging.
Accident risks and monsoon fears
Residents have flagged the roads as accident-prone, citing multiple hazards including deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and uncovered drains in certain stretches.
Nandakishore Karanam, a software engineer residing in the area, said that the situation has worsened significantly over the past five years. He warned that the problem is likely to escalate during the monsoon season, when waterlogging can conceal potholes, increasing the risk of accidents.
Locals fear that reduced visibility of road damage during rains could lead to more frequent mishaps, especially for two-wheeler riders.
Missing roads and civic gaps
A major concern raised by residents is that certain stretches of road in the neighbourhood are not included in official public maps. As a result, these roads are allegedly being overlooked by civic authorities for maintenance and repairs.
Residents claim they have submitted multiple complaints to authorities, but have yet to receive adequate response or action.
In addition to road issues, the locality is also grappling with an increasing problem of garbage dumping, further affecting the quality of life.
Authorities cite jurisdiction challenges
Responding to the concerns, Bhaskar, a bill collector with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department, said that efforts are underway to address the issue.
He explained that the rapid development of multiple apartment complexes in the area has led to changes in road usage. A road that was previously private has now effectively become a public road, bringing it under government jurisdiction.
However, the process of formally including the road in public maps is still ongoing. Authorities have reportedly written to the concerned departments to expedite the inclusion, which is necessary before major repair and maintenance work can be undertaken.
Need for urgent intervention
Residents argue that procedural delays should not come at the cost of public safety. They have urged authorities to take immediate temporary measures, such as filling potholes and covering open drains, to prevent accidents.
Urban planners note that such issues are common in fast-growing peri-urban areas, where infrastructure development often lags behind residential expansion.
Conclusion
The situation in Choodasandra reflects broader challenges faced by Bengaluru’s expanding outskirts, where rapid urbanisation is putting pressure on existing infrastructure.
With monsoon approaching, residents are calling for urgent action to address road safety concerns and prevent potential accidents. Timely intervention and better coordination between agencies will be crucial to resolving the issue and ensuring safer commuting conditions.