Bengaluru (Karnataka): One of the city’s oldest educational institutions, Good Shepherd Convent, located on Convent Road in central Bengaluru, is struggling to function smoothly due to dilapidated road conditions and rampant illegal parking. Despite being redeveloped under the Bengaluru Smart City project through the TenderSURE model, the narrow one-way stretch connecting Residency Road and Richmond Road has become a daily ordeal for students, parents and teachers alike.
Potholes, broken drains and civic apathy
The 170-year-old school, which has been part of Bengaluru’s educational heritage since the British era, has been battling poor road conditions for several months. Following repeated complaints from parents, the school administration took the matter into its own hands in August, deploying private contractors to fill potholes temporarily using their own funds.
“We could not wait for civic authorities any longer, as the road was causing accidents and making it difficult for parents to drop off their children safely,” said a member of the school’s management.
HB Kalleshappa, Executive Engineer with Bengaluru Central City Corporation, acknowledged that the road had deteriorated despite earlier temporary repairs. “We had filled potholes using wet mix to make the road motorable. The stretch was recently handed over to the new corporation after being under Smart City maintenance. We plan to begin permanent repairs in the coming days,” he said.
He added that the deployment of civic engineers for the ongoing social and educational survey across the city had delayed roadwork.
Adding to the problems, the steel grating covering the stormwater drain inlet broke on Monday, creating a safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians. Locals improvised by placing a twig with a red cloth and a potted plant near the opening to alert road users — a sight that highlights both civic neglect and community resilience.
Parking chaos adds to school’s woes
Illegal parking remains the other major menace on Convent Road. Vehicles — mostly private cars, vans and two-wheelers — are parked haphazardly along one side of the already narrow street, making it difficult for school vans and parents’ vehicles to navigate during peak hours.
N Manjunath, a security guard at the school, said reckless riding by two-wheelers worsens the situation. “Early mornings are chaotic. Bikers ride rashly in both directions even though it’s a one-way. Children have to be extra careful while crossing,” he said.
Pointing to an abandoned SUV parked near the school gate, Manjunath noted that the vehicle had been lying there for over four months, occupying valuable space and obstructing traffic.
G Ningaraj, a teacher at the convent, added that repeated complaints to traffic police had yielded little result. “Parents have complained several times. Many of these parked vehicles belong to other schools or to people with no connection to this area,” he said.
Despite the presence of ‘No Parking’ signboards along the stretch, violators continue to flout rules openly. “Even signboards placed by the traffic police are ignored. Cars are parked right in front of them,” said M John Peter Manul, a parent and member of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
Residents urge for stricter enforcement
Local residents and business owners along Convent Road have also voiced frustration over the persistent congestion and deteriorating infrastructure. They say the one-way rule is often violated, creating traffic snarls during school hours and putting pedestrians at risk.
A nearby shop owner said, “Convent Road used to be peaceful a few years ago. Now, because of construction, abandoned cars and broken drainage covers, it’s unsafe. We’ve reported the issue to the BBMP and traffic police multiple times.”
Urban planners have pointed out that the TenderSURE model, which was intended to create durable and pedestrian-friendly roads in core city areas, has not been maintained properly. Frequent digging for utilities and lack of accountability have reversed much of the project’s benefits.
School takes temporary measures
The Good Shepherd Convent administration has appealed to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the traffic police for immediate attention to both road repairs and parking enforcement. In the meantime, the school has stationed volunteers and security guards at key points to assist children during arrival and dispersal times.
The PTA is also planning to launch a petition urging authorities to tow abandoned vehicles and install CCTV cameras to monitor traffic violations.
“We want a safe environment for our children. A 170-year-old institution should not have to fight for basic civic amenities,” Manul said.
A heritage road in distress
Convent Road, though just a short stretch in Bengaluru’s central business district, holds historical and institutional significance. The Good Shepherd Convent, which began in the mid-19th century, is not just a landmark but a reminder of the city’s colonial past and educational legacy.
Yet today, the road’s condition reflects a larger urban governance issue — where even city-centre infrastructure projects face neglect soon after completion. The school community, parents and residents now hope the renewed attention from the corporation will finally bring a lasting solution.