Mangaluru: A brief spell of heavy rain on Wednesday once again exposed the recurring waterlogging problem on Bajpe Road, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and local residents. Several stretches of the road were submerged within a short period, disrupting traffic movement and highlighting concerns over the area’s drainage infrastructure ahead of the peak monsoon season.
The rainfall, though not prolonged, was intense enough to leave large quantities of water accumulated on the roadway. Motorists travelling through the affected stretch were forced to slow down and navigate carefully through waterlogged sections, while pedestrians faced difficulties crossing the road safely.
Road submerged after short spell of rain
Residents said that rainwater began collecting rapidly on various parts of Bajpe Road shortly after the downpour commenced. The poor drainage of stormwater resulted in stagnant water remaining on the road even after the rainfall subsided.
The situation created traffic bottlenecks as two-wheelers, cars and other vehicles moved cautiously to avoid accidents and damage. Pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren, senior citizens and daily commuters, were seen struggling to make their way through the flooded sections.
Locals pointed out that waterlogging on Bajpe Road has become a recurring issue during every monsoon, despite repeated complaints being submitted to the authorities over the years.
Residents question monsoon preparedness
The latest incident has sparked fresh criticism of civic agencies responsible for maintaining drainage systems and public infrastructure. Residents questioned the preparedness of the authorities for the monsoon season, arguing that recurring flooding indicates inadequate preventive measures.
According to local residents, clogged drains and insufficient stormwater management have contributed significantly to the problem. They said the situation could have been avoided if drainage channels had been cleaned and maintained before the onset of the monsoon.
Many expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions and urged officials to treat the issue with greater urgency.
Demand for immediate corrective measures
Residents have called upon the departments concerned to undertake immediate remedial measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Among their key demands are the desilting of drains, removal of blockages in stormwater channels and improvements to the overall drainage network in the area.
They also stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of flood-prone locations along Bajpe Road so that permanent engineering solutions can be implemented instead of temporary fixes.
Locals believe that addressing the root causes of water stagnation is essential to ensure smooth traffic movement and public safety during the rainy season.
Concerns grow as monsoon intensifies
With the monsoon gaining momentum across the coastal region, residents fear that heavier rainfall in the coming weeks could worsen the situation considerably. They warned that prolonged rain may lead to more extensive flooding, traffic disruptions and potential damage to nearby properties if preventive measures are not taken promptly.
The recurring waterlogging has also raised concerns about emergency accessibility and road safety, particularly during peak traffic hours when the affected stretch witnesses heavy vehicular movement.
Conclusion
Mangaluru’s Bajpe Road once again witnessed severe waterlogging following a brief spell of rain, underscoring the need for urgent improvements to the area’s drainage infrastructure. As monsoon activity intensifies across the district, residents are urging civic authorities to implement permanent solutions to prevent recurring flooding and ensure safer, smoother movement for commuters and pedestrians alike.