A Bengaluru-based software engineer recently sparked a debate on social media after likening walking in the city to an “extreme sport.” Yogeesh Prabhuswamy Gandige, 41, shared his harrowing experience of navigating broken footpaths and poorly maintained infrastructure while attempting to board a bus near the Konanakunte bus stop, located by Forum South Mall. The incident highlighted the growing concerns of residents about the city’s crumbling infrastructure and the risks it poses to pedestrians.
Gandige took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his ordeal and vent his frustration. He narrowly escaped a potentially serious injury due to the hazardous condition of the footpaths, which, according to him, made a simple walk in the city feel like a dangerous endeavour.
In his post, Gandige uploaded two videos showcasing the poor state of Bengaluru’s footpaths. The videos depicted pavements cluttered with debris, sponge drains overflowing with rainwater, and commuters precariously balancing on these unstable structures while waiting for buses. The visuals painted a stark picture of the risks involved in navigating the city’s streets, particularly for those dependent on public transport.
Walking in Bengaluru is an extreme sports. Need the skill to balance on tiny concrete strip and to jump from footpath to road!
No, I didn’t dare take this bus!
Just one slip and a lifetime injury – that’s how pedestrians are treated in the so-called “Infra Era”! #NadeyaluBidi pic.twitter.com/BGUztE8Y8m
— Yogeesh Prabhuswamy (@yogeeshgp) September 30, 2024
Walking in Bengaluru Is an Extreme Sport
Describing the perilous conditions, Gandige wrote, “Walking in Bengaluru is an extreme sport. Need the skill to balance on a tiny concrete strip and to jump from footpath to road!” His post captured the frustration of thousands of residents who face similar challenges daily. The poorly maintained footpaths not only make walking difficult but also pose a significant risk of injury.
Gandige further elaborated on his decision not to board the bus that day, citing the dangers involved. “No, I didn’t dare take this bus! Just one slip and a lifetime injury – that’s how pedestrians are treated in the so-called ‘Infra Era’!” he commented, criticising the city’s infrastructure despite claims of development.
The post, shared on October 1, quickly went viral, garnering numerous responses from fellow Bengaluru residents and commuters who echoed Gandige’s concerns. Many expressed their dismay at the current state of the city’s infrastructure, with some calling for urgent action from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and city authorities to address the issue.
Widespread Frustration Over Infrastructure Failures
Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure has long been a point of contention for its residents. Despite being touted as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the city continues to grapple with fundamental issues like broken footpaths, poor drainage, and crumbling roads, particularly in areas like Whitefield, Sarjapur, and other IT hubs. Gandige’s viral post brought these concerns into the spotlight once again, with users on X criticising the BBMP for its failure to maintain basic public infrastructure.
One user commented, “Even more shameful for BBMP is that these have been built just now, not old crumbling infrastructure. Even new development is being done in such a shoddy way that there’s no hope. And this is the case all over. Whitefield is covered with this wherever they’ve built these footpaths. And even this took several months to cover just 400m.”
Other users shared similar experiences of hazardous walking conditions across the city. “I’ve had to walk on the road several times because the footpaths are unusable. It’s dangerous, especially during the rainy season. There’s no accountability from the authorities,” wrote another user.
Calls for Action and Accountability
Gandige, who regularly uses the Konanakunte bus stop, also mentioned that the state of the footpath has been a persistent source of anxiety for him. “I often experience delays because I have to navigate these broken paths. It’s a serious issue that needs immediate attention,” he told Moneycontrol.
The BBMP has yet to respond officially to the concerns raised by Gandige’s viral post. However, the incident has reignited discussions around pedestrian safety and the need for infrastructural improvements in the city. Civic activists have called on the authorities to prioritise the safety of Bengaluru’s pedestrians, demanding better maintenance and development of footpaths across the city.
While Bengaluru continues to grow as a major tech hub, its infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the demands of its expanding population. With more citizens voicing their concerns over the state of public infrastructure, the pressure on local authorities to deliver effective solutions is increasing.
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