Bengaluru: National Highway 209 is in a bad shape but both NHAI and BBMP are shrugging off responsibility as regards its maintenance. Despite protests, motorists find it a tall order to navigate the road while pedestrians have to watch their steps on the footpaths that sport big holes. As for the elderly, it is a death trap.
National Highway 209 is a major stretch of road that cuts across Kanakapura, however, but both the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and BBMP have washed their hands from its upkeep.
On January 19, members of Kanakapura Road Apartments Movement of Change (KARAMOC) protested against the bad condition of roads and footpath between Sarakki Signal and Yelachenahalli metro station. Despite the protest the situation on the ground has hardly changed. While motorists struggle to cross the junction as the roads are in bad shape; pedestrians too have to contend with broken footpaths. For many senior citizens in the area an evening walk is a distant dream.
Though a RTI was filed with the NHAI to get the details of the custodian of the road, a year ago, the details are yet awaited. Meanwhile, the NHAI maintains that the road is with the BMRCL.
“It has been more than six months. Even after continuous follow ups and protests, the AEE of the NHAI has not cared to respond to our grievances. On March 9, we gave a representation to the additional chief secretary regarding the negligence by the officer,” said Aleem, a local resident.
“If the roads are with the BMRCL then where are documents to prove. Once we get the documents the issue can be taken up with the particular department,” he added.
Another resident Shadab Pasha, who runs a small outlet at this stretch, said, “The road is a challenge for the children and elders. There have been major accidents on the road due to the potholes. There is hardly any footpath and the residents had to fight to clean them from garbage. Still, the footpaths need to be repaired.”
