From Jayadeva to dustvilla: A 6km of nightmare for Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Road commuters

Bengaluru: While a ride on soon-to-open Metro promises to be a cruise from Jayadeva Hospital towards Bannerghatta affording a sweeping view of verdant patches dotted with lakes and highrises, the road below is a picture of contrast. Clouds of dust, an apology of a road, and blasts of basalt.The 6.3km stretch of road — from Jayadeva Hospital to Royal Meenakshi Mall — has turned into a commuter nightmare. The situation worsened after multiple rounds of work by BWSSB and BMRCL, as the road was dug up repeatedly and poorly restored.A civic officer said that they are trying to rebuild the road with a budget of Rs 12 crore. The actual requirement is upwards of Rs 60 crore.A reality check by TOI showed the stretch from Jayadeva Hospital is manageable, but a drive from IIM-Bangalore campus is better not undertaken. Thick layers of dust hanging thick and low, half-dug road filled with basalt welcome two-wheelers with unfailing regularity. A recipe for accidents..The stretch sees vehicles crawling from multiple directions, including JP Nagar, Hulimavu, BTM Layout and even from Electronics City, as vehicles funnel into Bannerghatta Road on their way towards MG Road. Residents say the congestion is worsened by poor road surface quality and drainage issues.With Namma Metro's Pink Line closer to launch, commuters complain of poor visibility. Residents said incidents like pedestrians trying to dodge an open drain accidentally dropping their belongings and falling have become common experiences.Srikanth A, a 25-year-old who travels from Royal Meenakshi Mall to Jayanagar, said escaping an accident is a near miracle. "It's hard to understand why it has been left like this for so long."A senior engineer from Bengaluru South City Corporation said BMRCL was expected to restore the road. The job has now vested with the corporation. With the current allocation of Rs 12 crore, officials admit only basic asphalting can be taken up. The corporation is now exploring additional funding avenues, including a proposal to secure Rs 30 crore from Greater Bengaluru Authority.Officials say the final goal is to rebuild the road comprehensively, including shifting utilities underground and developing proper footpaths. An engineer said BWSSB work is nearing completion.Photo Quotes (PL TRIM ON PAGE)Arushi Singh (23), Gottigere resident"I have been commuting to my office in Domlur on a two-wheeler for three years. The stretch is dusty due to incomplete roads. Visibility drops often. Stretch near IIMB Metro Station has worsened in the past two months. Some portions, especially along Gottigere, have been in bad shape. Yukthi (22), commuterThe stretch is in a terrible condition with numerous potholes. During rains, one can't tell where potholes, stones or concrete chunks are. It feels almost like a death trap at times."Srikant Parthasarathy, advocate, BTM Layout residentAfter Jayadeva Junction, going towards Vega City, the road turns into a full-blown pedestrian nightmare. For two-wheeler riders, it's a complete smoke show. As I commute from BTM Layout towards MG Road and Bannerghatta, I'm stuck choosing between traffic chaos and pothole adventures.Snehasis Das, 54, a resident of Begur Road."If I have to go towards JP Nagar, I need to cross Bannerghatta Road, and the stretch from Gottigere to Vega City is the worst. While most parts of the city are well planned, the road conditions here don't match the standard of living at all. I have never seen such dangerous potholes, broken stretches and poorly laid tar. During rains, it turns into a nightmare.