Bengaluru: Smooth rides still a distant dream!

Bengaluru: While the deadline to fill the potholes dotting the city roads ends on Monday, for motorists there is little relief from bumpy rides.

The November 6 deadline was set with a warning to BBMP officials that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would carry out an inspection on Monday and if any pothole was found, the zone chief engineer concerned and assistant engineers will be suspended.

After several deaths were reported due to killer potholes during monsoon, the Chief Minister had initially given a 15-day deadline, which was to end on October 9. Later city Mayor Sampath Raj and BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad had requested the Chief Minister to extend the deadline and November 6.

Prakash Murugan, a resident of Uttarahalli and director of Bannari Stones said, "Uttarahalli main road is free from potholes. Banashankari 100 feet road and Raja Rajeshwari Nagar Double Road, R V College Road, stretch near Kengeri bus stand too are now motorable."

But still there are stretches like Banashankari 80 feet road, underpass connecting R.R. Nagar with Uttarahalli, Patalamma Temple Road at Banashankari all are pothole ridden, Mr Prakash added.

He said that BBMP has focused on main roads and ignored the interior ones. Nadia, a resident of R.T. Nagar said, "Dinnur Main Road leading to Pushpanjali theatre continues to be pothole ridden.  Apart from the main roads, all interior roads which connect to main roads and ring roads are still hopeless."

She complained that pothole filling was being done in a haphazard way. Asphalt is just thrown over the potholes and vehicles running over have to level it, she remarked.

Intermediate ring road between Sony Signal junction and Domlur continues to be pothole ridden and the problem is acute at the stretch near Ejipura junction.
 Srinivas, a resident of Ejipura, said, “Ring roads are meant for quick commuting and vehicles should run on top gear. Many motorists apply sudden brakes on seeing potholes and risk their lives.