Bengaluru: Smooth drive a pipe dream here!

Bengaluru: Okalipuram, Ramachandrapuram, Hanumanthapura, Kasturinagar, Gopalapuram are some of the oldest localities in Bengaluru falling under Okalipuram BBMP ward number 96.

Fifth main is one of the roads that connects the area with other parts of the city. But for the past few months it is in shambles, thanks to the ongoing works of replacing old sewer and water pipes taken up by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

The old pipelines do need to be replaced but the work is progressing at an excruciatingly slow pace, complain residents. "Months have rolled on ever since the BWSSB started digging up 5th Main road to replace pipes. The project is progressing at snail's pace and we residents have to bear the brunt," lamented Susheel Babu R, a resident of Ramachandrapuram. 

How can authorities be so negligent and irresponsible? Looking at the poor state of affairs for the past few months, I do not think whether there is any government functioning here, he remarked. For the residents and motorists it's an agony to travel through the road.

Fifty-two-year old Velayudham, who was born and brought up in Okalipuram, and has been working as an auto-driver from the past 30 years. "Driving autos in the city has become difficult, owing to the increased density of vehicles every day. While this being the case, the dug up roads make our profession much more challenging."

He wondered what was happening to all the taxpayer's money. He further said that on priority basis government should first fill all pothole ridden dug up roads. Apart from bad roads women's safety is also an issue.

Muniyamma, who works as domestic worker, said that she is scared to roam around the area after 8pm. Bike borne miscreants follow women in the area just for fun. She demanded that the police patrolling be increased in the area to deter such miscreants. 

‘Contractors’ fight delaying work’
Interview with corporator Shivaprakash, Okalipuram, ward number 96

The main complaint of residents and commuters is regarding the poor condition of 5th Main Road?
The road from the past many years was maintained by Subhash Nagar ward office. It was dug up to replace all old sewer and water pipelines. Major part of the work has been completed. 

If majority of works are completed then why are the roads not being restored and asphalted?
Under the Nagarothana scheme the road was supposed to be asphalted, but owing to fights between two contractors asphalting work is on hold. We have raised the issue with the BBMP Joint Commissioner-West Zone and are hopeful of resolving the dispute and get the road asphalted soon.

Apart the poor condition of roads, people complain of heavy traffic near Ganesha Temple?
Yes, even I am aware of the condition. People who travel from Rajajinagar to avoid peak hour traffic usually take the routes inside Okalipuram to reach Anand Rao Circle and areas after that. Due to the heavy influx of vehicles and absence of any traffic signal or policemen there is traffic jam near Ganesha temple. I have already conveyed this to the traffic department who have assured of posting a traffic cop during peak hours in the area. 

Women in the area complain of harassment from bike borne miscreants?
I have already requested the police department to increase the patrolling in the area. They are facing staff shortage and hence not able to do so.