Neglect mars Panduranga Nagar’s urban promise

Footpath encroachments, poor roads and garbage piles take the sheen off a promising neighbourhood

Bengaluru: Panduranga Nagar (Ward 187), a fast-developing residential locality in South Bengaluru, has emerged as one of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Strategically located off Bannerghatta Road, the area enjoys excellent connectivity, making it a preferred hub for both working professionals and families.

Its proximity to major IT hubs and business centres has made it a hotspot for real estate growth. Panduranga Nagar is supported by strong social infrastructure — renowned educational institutions, reputed hospitals such as Fortis, and popular shopping and dining destinations all contribute to a well-rounded urban life style.

Neglected maintenance
Despite its urban promise, parts of the area reveal a different picture on the ground. Though several stretches have well-built foot paths, poor maintenance has reduced their utility. During a field visit, News Trail observed that construction debris was being dumped on footpaths and roads, while random piles of waste obstructed pedestrian movement.

In many locations, particularly along Sahyadri Layout Main Road, food trucks and street vendors occupy entire sections of footpaths and road edges. Their seating arrangements and carts leave little room for pedestrians, defeating the very purpose of these public pathways.

Are roads really being fixed?
While the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) claims ongoing efforts to fill potholes and repair roads, the ground reality tells a different story. The Sahyadri Layout 3rd Main Road, which connects to major IT hubs such as IBC Knowledge Park and Kalyani Magnum Tech Park, remains in deplorable condition.

“I travel through this road very often, and as a person who rides a scooty, it’s scary and risky,” said Chitra, a daily commuter who urged the authorities to take urgent action. Deep potholes, uneven surfaces, and broken speed breakers make commuting hazardous, especially for two-wheeler riders.

Abandoned vehicles and garbage menace
Adding to the list of civic concerns, the Rose Garden Road stretch is dotted with abandoned vehicles and informal garbage dumping sites. These “black spots” not only mar the neighbourhood’s appearance but also raise hygiene and safety concerns. The area, lined with several gated communities, suffers from inadequate street lighting, making it unsafe for both residents and pedestrians, particularly at night.

Need for immediate civic attention
Panduranga Nagar stands at a crucial crossroads — its infrastructure potential is undeniable, yet civic neglect threatens to under mine its growth. Unless the GBA and local authorities take swift measures to enforce cleanliness, remove encroachments, and ensure basic maintenance, this promising locality risks losing its urban charm and live ability.