Balagere-Panathur Road Repair Fails in 42 Days

The Balagere-Panathur main road, a crucial link to multiple IT firms and residential complexes, has been left in poor condition just 42 days after undergoing renovation.

The asphalt on this road, recently restored by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), has already started to peel off, develop undulations, and in some places, the stretch has even sunk.The road had been repaired following the installation of large sewage pipes down the middle of the road. However, residents are now calling attention to what they describe as substandard work. Despite the BWSSB’s claim of adhering to the norms, pre-monsoon rains have highlighted the poor quality of execution, with water seeping into the layers and causing premature damage.

BBMP officials have confirmed that the 400-metre stretch, from the railway underbridge at Panathur to Disha Apartments, has been particularly affected. Of this stretch, 20 metres have sunk, while the rest of the area has developed undulations, exacerbating the poor state of the road. Without proper side drains, the road has no effective system to channel rainwater, leaving it prone to flooding. If the rains continue, experts predict the road could become impassable, leading to severe traffic disruptions.Residents are now facing a serious challenge, as the road is likely to flood during heavy rains. The absence of a side drain network along the stretch, and the lack of cooperation from landowners for development rights, could complicate any attempts at repair.

Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/srinagar-pahalgam-road-may-redefine-south-kashmir/

Furthermore, the road’s current condition makes it a potential hazard to commuters.“The road has become a major issue for motorists, especially with no proper side drain. With the rains, it could flood, causing traffic jams. The problem is further compounded because part of the road belongs to private landowners, and if they decide to close the road for development, commuting will become impossible,” said a local engineer familiar with the situation.
BWSSB officials, on the other hand, have maintained that their responsibility was limited to the installation of sewage and water lines. The task of building side drains and ensuring long-term road stability lies with the BBMP. However, there is widespread frustration among residents, as the poor quality of work post-BWSSB’s intervention has left the road vulnerable to environmental factors.
Locals report that the BWSSB used loose soil and a minimal layer of tar to cover the road after the sewage pipes were installed, a practice that has led to rapid degradation. In contrast, the required practice would have involved laying aggregates and a thicker coat of tar to ensure the road could withstand weather conditions.

This situation points to a larger issue of coordination and responsibility between civic agencies in Bengaluru. While BWSSB completed its task, the lack of attention to the road’s post-repair integrity has left the public questioning the efficacy of the renovations. Residents and commuters alike now face the consequences of a project rushed through with insufficient attention to detail, endangering both traffic safety and the road’s long-term viability.As the city gears up for the monsoon season, the condition of the Balagere-Panathur road is likely to become a key issue for both commuters and the authorities. It also raises questions about the quality of civic works, particularly when multiple agencies are involved in urban development projects.

Also Read : 

Balagere-Panathur Road Repair Fails in 42 Days