BENGALURU: Barely a week after civic authorities repaired broken footpaths along Subroto Mukherjee Road near Jalahalli Cross, the newly laid slabs have already begun to crack, raising fresh concerns about the quality of materials and durability of the work.
The quick deterioration has left residents questioning whether the patchwork solutions will truly improve pedestrian safety in the long run.
Slabs collapse within days
Several concrete slabs were replaced last week after months of complaints about missing and broken footpath covers that forced pedestrians dangerously onto the busy road. While the repair work initially offered some relief, multiple slabs cracked within just three days.
Residents reported that a water tanker drove over the restored stretch near Vaishnavi Ratnam apartments, causing several slabs to collapse. This has once again exposed drains and created uneven walking surfaces.
“Something is better than nothing. At least now we can walk without worrying about falling into the drain,” said Yogitha KS, a resident. “But if these slabs cannot handle even a vehicle crossing, they will keep breaking.”
Residents sceptical about quality
Locals say old slabs were simply relaid in many portions, with new slabs installed only where none existed earlier. The fragile condition of the restored sections has left many sceptical.
“Vehicles moving over the slabs is inevitable. The slabs must be durable enough to take that load,” said Srinidhi Swaminathan, a resident of Vaishnavi Ratnam apartments. He also disputed the corporation’s claim that desilting of drains had been carried out. “When drains are cleaned, silt piles up on the roadside. There was no such activity here.”
BBMP promises further work
City corporation commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar acknowledged the fresh damage and assured residents that repairs will be carried out within two weeks.
“The desilting of drains along the stretch was long pending. Workers will complete that and restore the footpath,” Kumar said.
However, residents fear that unless stronger slabs are used and vehicles are prevented from routinely cutting across the footpath, the problems will persist.
Pedestrian safety at risk
For months, pedestrians had struggled to navigate the footpaths, many of which were riddled with missing slabs and open drains. While the recent patch-up has temporarily made portions usable, uneven and broken stretches continue to force pedestrians back onto the road, exposing them to traffic risks.
With several apartment complexes and heavy vehicular movement in the area, residents are urging civic authorities to ensure sturdier and lasting solutions.
Conclusion
The quick response to media coverage of the issue was welcomed by locals, but the cracks appearing within days highlight a deeper problem — short-lived civic fixes that fail to address long-term pedestrian safety. Until durable materials and preventive measures are adopted, Bengaluru’s footpath woes are likely to continue.