Mysuru: After more than two decades of delay, development work has finally commenced on a 300-metre stretch of Dr Rajkumar Road in Yaraganahalli, bringing much-needed relief to residents and commuters who have long struggled with its poor condition.
The stretch, which connects the Teresian College junction on Bannur Road with the KEB junction on Mahadevapura Main Road, had remained neglected for nearly 20 years due to a combination of legal disputes and administrative delays.
Long-standing issue sees progress
The road had become a major bottleneck in Mysuru’s urban network, with commuters facing daily inconvenience due to its deteriorated condition. A pending land compensation case had led to a court stay, which the Mysuru City Corporation cited as the primary reason for the prolonged delay in undertaking development work.
Over the years, the stretch had turned into a hazard zone, marked by potholes, dust, and poor drainage. Residents and daily commuters had repeatedly raised concerns, urging authorities to resolve the issue and initiate repairs.
Daily hardships for residents and commuters
The poor condition of the road had led to frequent accidents and posed serious health risks. Dust pollution in the area often caused breathing difficulties among residents, while the uneven surface contributed to back pain and discomfort for regular travellers.
Adding to the woes, clogged sewage and waterlogging during rains further worsened the situation, making the stretch nearly unusable at times. The lack of timely intervention had drawn criticism from citizens and activists alike.
Citizen activism plays key role
Local activist Mike Prakash, who led efforts to push for the road’s repair, welcomed the commencement of work. He expressed gratitude to the authorities for finally addressing the long-pending issue.
Sustained public pressure, media coverage, and follow-ups are believed to have contributed to accelerating the process, highlighting the role of citizen engagement in civic development.
Road to be upgraded
According to officials, the stretch will be asphalted and improved to ensure smoother traffic flow and better connectivity between key junctions. The work is expected to ease congestion and enhance safety for road users.
Authorities have also indicated that steps will be taken to address drainage issues and prevent future deterioration of the road.
Conclusion
The beginning of work on Dr Rajkumar Road marks the end of a prolonged wait for residents of Yaraganahalli. While the delay underscores challenges in urban infrastructure management, the development offers hope for improved connectivity and quality of life in the area.