Adugodi’s growth leads to traffic, infra & waste mgmt challenges

Traffic, infrastructure breakdowns & waste management woes overshadow the charm of Ward 147 as residents call for urgent action to improve quality of life.

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Ward 147 - Adugodi, a dynamic neighbourhood in Bengaluru, has grown into a hub of activity, combining residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Its central location, offering proximity to IT hubs, educational institutions, and healthcare centres, has attracted a diverse population. Despite its rapid urbanisation, Adugodi has managed to retain much of its traditional charm, with parks, temples, and community spaces reflecting its deep-rooted culture. However, with the pace of development come various civic challenges that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Closer look at the issue The ward’s appeal lies in its accessibility and the convenience it offers to its residents, but these very aspects have contributed to growing issues. Traffic congestion, infrastructure breakdowns, and inefficient waste management are among the pressing concerns affecting the quality of life in Adugodi.

With Adugodi's central location, traffic congestion has become a daily struggle, especially during peak hours. Narrow roads and lack of proper traffic management lead to longer commute times and worsening air quality. Frequent potholes, poor drainage systems, and insufficient street lighting have caused inconvenience and safety concerns. Waterlogging during the monsoon further exacerbates the issues, making mobility and daily tasks difficult for residents. Inefficient waste collection and improper disposal contribute to unhygienic conditions. Overflowing garbage bins and irregular pick-up schedules worsen pollution, impacting the health and environment in densely populated areas like Adugodi.

“Our area has so much potential and has all the resources as well. We reside in a prime area in the city and have access to major IT hubs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and transportation networks. But these problems are making it hard for us to enjoy living here. We need immediate action from the authorities to improve our quality of life,” shared Rama, a resident. The impact on residents One of the major issues plaguing Adugodi is traffic congestion. The area’s central location has made it a key transit point for people commuting to IT hubs and offices, especially during peak hours. Residents face the daily challenge of long commute times, which are worsened by narrow roads and inadequate traffic management. As vehicles pile up, so does the pollution, with rising levels of air and noise pollution impacting public health and making the neighbourhood less livable. Beyond traffic, the infrastructure in Adugodi struggles to keep up with the demands of a growing population. Daily inconveniences include pothole-ridden roads, poorly maintained drainage systems, and insufficient street lighting. The inadequate drainage infrastructure results in waterlogging during the rainy season, creating a safety hazard for pedestrians and increasing the risk of accidents on the roads. The lack of proper street lighting further exacerbates the problem, making some areas unsafe, particularly at night. Residents have voiced concerns over these issues, but solutions are slow to come.

Waste management is another significant problem in Adugodi. As a densely populated ward, the accumulation of garbage, improper disposal, and irregular waste collection services are common complaints. Overflowing bins and uncollected waste contribute to pollution, foul odours, and health risks, creating an unsanitary environment. Moreover, the lack of awareness regarding proper waste segregation has made the problem more difficult to address. Call to action The issues in Adugodi are not insurmountable, but they require urgent and coordinated efforts from both the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the residents. Improved traffic management strategies could alleviate congestion. One resident said, “Traffic cops are deployed on IT roads such as New Mico Road and the other streets are ignored which leads to unruly traffic.” He added, the authorities must also prioritise fixing potholes, and improving drainage systems and added that Adugodi was completely ignored in the recent BBMP’s campaign to fix potholes in the city.

In terms of waste management, a more consistent collection schedule and awareness campaigns promoting waste segregation at the household level would make a significant difference. Residents can contribute by adopting sustainable practices such as composting organic waste and reducing plastic use.