Bengaluru's infrastructure projects stalled amid political turmoil

NT Correspondent 

Bengaluru: As Bengaluru gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the city continues to grapple with pressing issues like traffic congestion, potholed roads, and inadequate waste management.

Despite electoral promises to enhance infrastructure, several major projects have come to a standstill, intensifying the city's challenges.

Traffic congestion and signal-less intersections have long troubled Bengaluru.

Although these issues were highlighted during recent assembly elections, little progress has been made in finding effective solutions.

Funding shortages and political disagreements have halted numerous projects, including flyovers and road improvements in areas like Yelahanka, Nayandahalli, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar, leading to growing frustration among residents.

The Ejipura flyover project, designed to alleviate traffic in Koramangala, exemplifies the city's infrastructure challenges.

Despite being initiated by the previous government, the project has been stalled due to land acquisition problems and funding delays under the current administration, sparking inter-party accusations.

Moreover, essential social welfare programs for the disabled, such as providing bicycles and sewing machines, have been neglected for two years.

Road maintenance, drain cleaning, and sidewalk repairs have also been overlooked, further worsening the city's infrastructure deficiencies.

Although tenders for various projects, including road resurfacing and borehole drilling, have recently been issued, their implementation remains uncertain pending post-election approvals and funding allocations.

Despite ambitious announcements under the "Brand Bangalore" initiative, such as tunnel roads and skydecks, the lack of concrete plans and timelines has left residents sceptical about meaningful change shortly.