Banashankari residents yearn for pothole-free roads

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Residents of Siddanna Layout in Banashankari are grappling with a severe problem – that of potholes, leaving both residents and motorists in distress.

Negotiating these on the roads has become a daily challenge for the community, leading to accidents, vehicle damage and growing frustration among locals. The issue affects everyone in the neighbourhood. Motorists, pedestrians and residents alike are suffering the consequences.

Ganesh Kumar, a daily commuter, shared his experiences thus: "Navigating on these roads is like playing a game of dodgeball. Every day, I worry about the damage these potholes are likely to cause to my car or my getting involved in an accident."

The pothole problem has been escalating over the past few months, with the monsoon season exacerbating the situation. Despite repeated complaints to the local authorities, there has been no significant action taken to address the issue, is the general complaint. The epicentre of this crisis is Siddanna Layout.

The roads here are riddled with potholes, making it nearly impossible for vehicles to pass smoothly. The situation is particularly dire on the main road, which sees heavy traffic daily. The primary reasons for the pothole issue are poor road maintenance and inadequate drainage systems.

During the monsoon season, water accumulates on the roads, further damaging the already weak infrastructure. Lokesh, a local shop owner, remarked: "The authorities repair the roads superficially. Once the rain comes down, it's back to square one. We need a permanent solution."

The potholes have not only caused inconvenience but have also led to several accidents. Meghana, a resident who recently met with an accident “due to a pothole”, recounted her ordeal: "I was driving back home when I hit a deep pothole. My scooter skid and I fell. I ended up with a fractured arm. It is terrifying to think this can happen to someone like me who rides carefully."

The situation has created a ripple effect on the community’s daily life. School buses are often delayed, emergency services struggle to navigate the roads and local businesses face a decline in customers. Anil, a school bus driver, expressed his concern.

"Driving kids to school has become a nightmare.The bus shakes violently every time we hit a pothole, and I'm constantly worried about the children's safety," he said.

Despite the growing outcry, the response from the local municipality has been lacklustre. Residents have organised multiple petitions and community meetings to address the issue. Savitha, a local activist, said they have been voicing their concerns for months.

“It's high time the authorities take this seriously. Our safety and well-being are at stake," she added.

The residents of Siddanna Layout are desperate for a solution to their pothole woes. The community's collective plea is for “immediate and effective action to repair the roads and prevent further accidents and inconveniences”.