Upscale apartments to pothole-riddled roads: Challenges faced by Domlur residents

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Domlur, which is a posh locality situated in the eastern part of the city, known for its upscale apartments, trendy restaurants, and high-end shopping malls is grappling with poor road conditions, a lack of public transport facilities, illegal parking and so on.

On one side, Domlur, ward number 112 under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), displays sophistication and convenience. Its wellmaintained parks, cafes, restaurants and highrise apartments display luxury, the other side tells a different story.

One of the most pressing issues is the poor condition of roads, which are riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces. This makes it difficult for residents to commute, especially during the monsoon season when the roads become waterlogged and dangerous.

The lack of proper drainage and sewage systems in the area has led to the accumulation of stagnant water in many areas, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. In addition, the ward lacks adequate public transportation facilities.

Few buses operate in the area, and the frequency of services is low. A resident who tries to take the bus regularly to work to Ulsoor said, “Although there is a direct bus route, the buses are very infrequent and crowded. Not just my route, but most routes.

There have been days when I have waited for over 45 minutes and then booked a cab or auto.”

He also added, that if he misses a bus, he will have to wait for 1 hour for the next bus. While Domlur may seem all fancy on the surface, a closer look reveals a different story.

The area experienced rapid growth, and with that growth came a set of challenges for its residents. One major problem is illegal parking parking. Cars parked on the road have become a significant issue, making it a real hassle to drive around.

While the area was planned for posh residential buildings and cafes, there was no specific plan for parking as most apartments lacked a parking space, leading people to park on the road.

A girl who resides in a PG in the area said, “We were informed that the PG has parking, but what the owner meant was the on-road parking.”

She added that over 300 boys and girls live in these adjacent PGs and stated, “Even if half of us have vehicles that would be 150 two-wheelers that are permanently parked on the side of the road.”

Residents of Domlur are growing increasingly frustrated with the BBMP's failure to complete several road projects in the area. These projects, which were launched several years ago, have been plagued by delays and cost overruns.

As a result, residents are forced to endure traffic congestion, potholes, and dust. Several roads have been given a patchwork after the BBMP they left some projects incomplete leaving riders to navigate through the weathering surfaces.

Adding to the chaos, commercial establishments encroach upon the footpaths, further limiting the space available for pedestrians. Another PG resident added, “The sidewalks, end up being crowded and obstructed by shops, making it difficult for us to walk because of both traffic and parked cars.”