BENGALURU: Dr Vishnuvardhan Road, one of the primary arteries connecting Mysuru Road and Kanakapura Road in Bengaluru South, has become treacherous for the hundreds of commuters who depend on it daily. The road, which passes through a rapidly developing corridor with new residential and commercial projects, suffers from deteriorated infrastructure, raising serious safety concerns.
The road has been plagued by several issues, including potholes, accumulated dust, uneven speed breakers, and makeshift roadside parking, which residents argue create hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
Safety Concerns as Commuters Struggle on Damaged Roads
Local commuters and residents have raised alarms over the worsening conditions. Prakash, a resident of Banashankari 6th Stage who regularly uses the road, pointed out that an unscientific speed breaker near Patalamma Temple causes multiple accidents each week. “This speed breaker is poorly constructed, and there’s no proper signage or lighting to make it visible, especially at night. I’ve seen at least three accidents here every week, particularly involving two-wheeler riders who lose control trying to navigate over it,” he said.
Aside from poorly planned speed breakers, Dr Vishnuvardhan Road is riddled with potholes, which make driving difficult and damage vehicles. The recent monsoon rains have only worsened these issues, causing the road surface to erode further. According to regular users, loose gravel from the broken asphalt collects on the roadside, creating additional hazards, especially for two-wheeler riders who are at greater risk of skidding.
Ongoing Road Expansion Exacerbates Conditions
The Kengeri entrance of Dr Vishnuvardhan Road has also become a trouble spot due to ongoing road expansion work. The construction has increased dust levels significantly, creating visibility issues and discomfort for commuters, while also coating vehicles and shops with a layer of dust. “The air is filled with dust as soon as you get to the road near Kengeri. The road work drags on without much sign of completion, and it’s practically a health hazard,” said another commuter, adding that these conditions compound the daily struggles of navigating the road’s potholes and dust.
Demands for Immediate Action from Residents
Commuters and residents along Dr Vishnuvardhan Road are calling for prompt intervention. They have requested that authorities resurface the entire stretch and install scientifically designed speed breakers, which should ideally be placed near schools, hospitals, and major intersections rather than randomly scattered along the road. Key locations like Mantri Alpyne, Pathway Hospital, and Patalamma Temple have been flagged for urgent attention.
One resident stated, “It’s a simple fix: we need speed breakers that are visible and positioned at sensible places. The current situation is dangerous. Potholes and dust make commuting risky, and it feels like there’s no one to answer for this mess.”
Local Authorities Unavailable for Comment
Despite multiple attempts to reach out to the Rajarajeshwari Nagar Zonal Chief Engineer for a statement, officials remained unavailable for comment. Local advocacy groups are now urging the municipal corporation to prioritize these repairs and take a more scientific approach to road design and maintenance.
As Bengaluru continues to grow, the demand for infrastructure that meets the needs of both residents and commuters has become increasingly pressing. Dr Vishnuvardhan Road stands as a prime example of the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, with commuters hoping for a swift response to prevent further accidents and improve daily travel conditions.
Inputs From: The New Indian Express