Lakkasandra residents battle traffic chaos, crumbling infrastructure

Locality faces significant challenges, from Metro construction chaos and poor infrastructure to inadequate sanitation and unsafe pedestrian facilities, demanding urgent attention

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru Lakkasandra, located in Bengaluru South under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is an area that holds immense promise but finds itself weighed down by a host of civic challenges. Identified as Ward 146, the locality faces persistent issues that have disrupted the daily lives of its residents and commuters.

The problem at hand- One of the most pressing challenges in Lakkasandra is the ongoing construction of the Namma Metro’s Pink Line. The Dairy Circle metro station, a part of this project, has been under development for the past three to four years, with completion expected only by December 2026. While this metro line promises improved connectivity and reduced traffic congestion in the future, its construction has led to daily chaos for the people in the area. “The dust and noise from the construction are unbearable,” says Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Lakkasandra.

“We have to keep our windows shut all the time, and commuting has become a nightmare.” Granite Road, a major thoroughfare, has become a hub of congestion, clogged with debris, barricades, and potholes. “The traffic is so bad that what used to be a 10-minute ride now takes 40 minutes,” says Shankar, an auto driver. “Metro work is important, but they should consider the people living here.” To ease congestion, one of the key roads in Lakkasandra was converted into a one-way street. However, the rule is widely flouted. “Nobody follows the one-way rule,” laments a truck driver. “The authorities need to ensure they are enforced.” The foot-over bridge (skywalk) in Lakkasandra is another glaring problem. Intended to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians, it is in a deplorable state. The stairs are rusted, and the elevator remains non-functional.

“The skywalk is located at the perfect location as there is too much traffic and makes it easier, but the bridge trembles when heavy vehicles move on the road, which is terrifying.” The ward's struggles extend beyond metro construction. Water supply and sanitation facilities are woefully inadequate. Garbage collection is also inconsistent, resulting in overflowing bins and unhygienic surroundings. Adding to the residents' frustration is the lack of green open spaces. Parks and recreational areas are either poorly maintained or absent. The ward faces also severe traffic congestion and pollution. Narrow roads, ongoing construction, and reckless driving make peak hours a harrowing experience.

The way forward- While the challenges in Lakkasandra are manifold, there is hope for improvement. The completion of the Pink Line is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide efficient public transportation. However, immediate measures are necessary to address the crumbling infrastructure, improve water and sanitation services, and ensure the safety of pedestrians. Speaking to News Trail, a BBMP employee commented, “We try our best to keep up with garbage collection and there is not much that can be done until the metro construction is done, which will be soon.”

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