Pulikeshinagar' s woes: Bad infra & overcrowded streets

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Pulikeshinagar, a bustling ward in the East Zone of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), faces multiple challenges that affect the daily lives of its residents.

From overpopulated streets to inadequate infrastructure, the area grapples with issues that demand urgent attention. At the heart of Pulikeshinagar's struggles are its narrow and congested streets.

The area's high population density exacerbates the problem, creating a challenging environment for both pedestrians and vehicles. Navigating these crowded lanes has become a daily hurdle for residents, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.

"Navigating the streets feels like a big workout every day. The congestion is overwhelming, making a simple stroll an ordeal. Why are people wasting money in gyms when they can just navigate through Tranney Road and work out?” said a long-time resident.

One glaring issue that residents face is the lack of bus shelters in Pulikeshinagar. The absence of these essential facilities forces commuters to wait on the roadside, exposing them to the elements.

"Waiting for buses after a long day is an exhausting task in itself. How can one endure it without the luxury of a shelter or even a simple bench? This becomes challenging, especially during rains and summer," said a student and daily commuter.

The area also grapples with chronic waterlogging during monsoons. The region is situated in a lowlying area with inadequate drainage and infrastructure. A polluted rajakaluve serves as the primary outlet for rainwater in this locality.

The root of the problem lies in the city's inadequate drainage system, which is unable to cope with the heavy monsoon rains. Over the years, haphazard development and waterway encroachment have further exacerbated the situation.

The BBMP's inaction is leaving residents feeling helpless and frustrated. One resident said, “If it rains for 15 minutes straight, the whole area turns haphazard with water logging, traffic and with all the potholes, it becomes impossible for people to move around.”

Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is compromised in Pulikeshinagar due to widespread footpath encroachment by vendors and hawkers. This encroachment not only narrows the walkable space for residents but also leads to heavy traffic.

The traffic congestion, which residents allege has increased in the past 2 or 3 years exhibits an increase in the number of vehicle owners and population in the area.

Pulikeshinagar's roads are riddled with potholes, creating a daily challenge for residents. With waterlogging, congestion and blacked pedestrian pathways the potholes pose a threat to vehicles, causing inconvenience and often leading to damage.

“The state of Pulikeshinagar's roads is a constant headache. Navigating potholes amidst waterlogging and congested paths is a daily nightmare, damaging vehicles and playing with my patience,” said a rider.