Navigating traffic woes: Sampangiram Nagar's struggle with outdated infrastructure

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Sampangiram Nagar, ward number 110 under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), stands as a testament to Bengaluru's rich history and cultural heritage.

Located in the city's eastern part the area has been an integral part of the city's development since the 1900s.

Despite its historical significance, Sampangiram Nagar is not immune to the modern challenges faced by urban spaces, ranging from traffic congestion to the pressing need for improved infrastructure.

The area is a vibrant tapestry of residential, commercial, and educational institutions, reflecting its evolution over the years.

However, as the city expanded around Sampangiram Nagar, certain challenges emerged, impacting the quality of life for its residents.

Sampangiram Nagar grapples with escalating traffic congestion due to outdated infrastructure that couldn't anticipate the surge in vehicular traffic.

Decades-old narrow streets now hinder smooth traffic flow, especially for fourwheelers. Residents, facing a parking space crunch, resort to parking cars on the roads, exacerbating congestion.

This issue not only inconveniences daily life but also poses safety concerns and hampers emergency vehicle access.

Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach, involving the expansion and modernisation of road infrastructure. A frustrated IT professional expressed, "The worsening traffic congestion poses a daily challenge, affecting not only my commute but also impacting school students. Despite residing just 4 km away, it takes me an astonishing 20 to 30 minutes to exit the area, covering a mere 800m. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged waiting times for school buses, compounded by on-road parking issues. I've observed students resorting to getting ready for school and having breakfast on the buses, anticipating the extended delays. The escalating traffic woes significantly disrupt our daily routines and underscore the urgent need for effective measures to alleviate congestion in the area."

Sampangiram Nagar faces a unique topographical challenge as houses, developed years ago, lie in lowerlying areas than the road, making them prone to flooding.

Though not every residence experiences waterlogging, some older houses persistently contend with this issue. The stormwater drains, installed around 30 to 40 years ago, have aged and deteriorated, exacerbating the problem.

Unlike newer constructions with modern drain systems, the outdated infrastructure in older structures intensifies challenges during the rainy season.

This highlights the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades to address flooding concerns and ensure the resilience of Sampangiram Nagar in adverse weather conditions.

A resident who has been living in the area for almost 25 years said “We all live in the same area, but some older houses grappling with waterlogging during the monsoon, while people in some of these new buildings live like kings.”