Markham Road: A bottleneck for motorists

Bengaluru: Markham Road, located next to St Joseph’s College of Commerce, has been dug up for drain works and poses a challenge to motorists. Though the work began a few weeks ago, it is far from over and residents blame it on civic apathy. For pedestrians, it is a nightmare as they are forced to use the road and risk getting knocked down by vehicles.

Located close to the prestigious St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Markham Road is in a dilapidated state and poses a major challenge to motorists and pedestrians.

This narrow road provides vital link to Commissariat Road, but road users lament that civic authorities done little to keep it in good condition.

Early December, the authorities began constructing an open drain has severely affected traffic flow. Prakash Kumar, a private firm employee and a frequent user of the road, said the narrow road has not been taken care of by the administration.

“The road is narrow and the construction of the drain has been going for quite long. Though a drain is welcome, road asphalting is the need of the hour,” he added.

Markham is considered to be the shortest route to reach Garuda Mall and Football Stadium, but the problem does not seem to end with the bad roads and improper drainage. It also lacks footpath and pedestrians are forced to use the road and risk their lives. The numerous flex boards on the road side further impede their movement.

“The flex boards put up by political parties, to wish people for various festivals and other event, is not just bad aesthetics, but also takes away a lot of public space,” said Azad Khan, a resident of Brigade Road.

Following a High Court ruling the BBMP has launched a crackdown against the unauthorised flex banners, but not much has been done on this road.

Ramamurthy, a nearby resident told Deccan Chronicle, “The government must asphalt the road as soon as possible and set up CCTV cameras, keeping women’s safety in mind. The road is frequented by many college stsudents.”

Road will be asphalted after drain work: M B Dwarakanath
When can the citizens expect the Markham road to be asphalted?
The asphalting of the road was long overdue and will start on the New Year’s Eve. The entire stretch of the road will be asphalted. At present we are taking up the construction of the drains.

Can the drain work be expedited at the earliest since it is causing huge traffic snarls?
The construction of the drains started last week and it will get over soon. The drain was a long overdue demand of the residents.

Since there is a college nearby, isn’t it necessary to install CCTV?
Of course, it is in my mind and we have ordered for the installation of cameras. It will be installed very soon. Women’s safety is a priority