A rough ride down the gravel path

Nischith N | NT

Bengaluru: After the Karanataka High Court pulled up BBMP for potholes on Bengaluru’s roads, the engineering wing of the Palike prepared a list of roads that need asphalting.

But for the residents of Kallapalli on Byappanahalli link road next to Isolation Hospital, the road has been in bad shape for many months, as the contractor is awaiting work orders from Palike. 

While the 810-m long Rail Over Bridge (ROB) at Byappanahalli was opened a year ago, after it was proposed in 2010-11, the service road under the bridge continues to be neglected and it is a nightmare for the commuters and residents. 

Shankar, one of the residents, is still clueless as to why the local body has not taken any measures. “Firstly, the BBMP took 10 years to complete the bridge. Now this service road has remained unattended for a long time.” 
The new ROB was built to connect Sir MV Terminal with Swami Vivekananda Metro Station on Old Madras Road.

Kallapalli residents also point out that senior citizens and children are facing breathing difficulties due to the dust kicked up by vehicles on the unfinished service road.

When the NT team visited the spot, it was observed that BBMP has failed to release the work order for the contractor. “As soon as we receive the order, the process will be done,” said a BBMP Contractor requesting anonymity. 

“We are aware of this 700 m stretch and it was delayed for some reasons. If everything falls in place, this stretch will be ready for public use by the end of February,” says Sriniavas H, AEE, BBMP.