Delayed white-topping reduces footfall at Jayanagar market in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A project that was promised to be completed in six months has stretched into a year-long inconvenience in Jayanagar. The delayed white-topping project on a major commercial stretch between 3rd and 4th blocks of Jayanagar has left traders and residents struggling with reduced access, declining business, and an all-round mess.Shivanand Naik, who runs a juice shop in Jayanagar 3rd Block, said the delay has affected his business as there are fewer pedestrians. "My business has gone down by around 50%. The situation worsens when it rains. We hope the project is completed before monsoon," he said.Residents say the prolonged pre-construction phase has turned everyday movement into a challenge. With accessibility hit, several businesses report a sharp drop in footfall. A roadside vendor, who did not wish to be named, said work began in March 2025 in 4th Block. "I remember it because I lost my mother during the same time. A lot of shoppers face inconvenience as the footpaths are in shambles. We are told there will be more digging on the other side as well," he said.Piles of debris and construction material have become informal dumping spots. Shop owner and longtime Jayanagar resident Jyothi Srinivas said: "People from nearby restaurants dump their garbage in the open, and such spots become breeding grounds for rats. It has caused a rat infestation in our shop." Jayanagar MLA C K Ramamurthy assured that the road would be ready in three months. "The white-topping work will begin in a month. A major power line needs to be shifted, which is causing the delay. We discussed this at a recent meeting, and work to shift the line will begin this week," he said. The Rs 10-crore project on the half-km stretch is being executed by Nagarjuna Construction Company, the MLA added.Apart from this, white-topping work on three other roads in Jayanagar has also been planned. "White-topping project on Diagonal Road from 3rd Block to RV Road has been tendered. Maiya's hotel road (30th Cross) and 36th Cross will also be white-topped," Ramamurthy said.
Get real-time updates and result insights on the UBSE UK Board Results 2026 and CBSE 12th Result 2026