Bengaluru's NPKL Residents Voice Frustration Over Incomplete Infrastructure
Residents living in the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) township developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) continue to face significant challenges with basic urban infrastructure. They report missing footpaths, unsafe road designs, incomplete utility services, and long-delayed amenities like Cauvery water supply.
Open Forum Highlights Safety Violations and Design Flaws
In a letter dated January 1, the NPKL Open Forum brought these issues to the attention of the BDA. The forum pointed out that pedestrian infrastructure in the layout fails to meet national standards. Roads and utility ducts sit at the same level, creating hazardous conditions for walkers.
Key amenities promised to residents, including smart meters and public parks, remain unfinished even though many families have already moved into their homes. The forum emphasized that these deficiencies pose daily risks, particularly for children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
Specific Concerns About Footpaths and Utility Design
The residents' group flagged critical gaps in pedestrian infrastructure, drainage alignment, and road-level planning. They noted that utility ducts are being incorrectly presented as walkways, a clear violation of guidelines set by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
"A footpath is not leftover space," the letter stated firmly. National norms mandate specific requirements for pedestrian pathways:
- Footpaths should be 1.8 meters wide, expanding to 2.5 meters on busier roads.
- Raised kerbs must separate walking zones from vehicle traffic.
- Walking areas should remain free of obstructions.
- Utilities must be kept outside pedestrian zones.
- Universal access features like ramps and tactile tiles are essential.
In NPKL, the current situation falls short on all these counts. Roads and ducts share the same level, kerbs are missing, and vehicles can easily encroach upon spaces meant for pedestrians. Declaring utility ducts as footpaths "fails all standards," according to the forum.
Resident Testimonies Reveal Daily Hardships
Sridhar Nuggehalli, President of the NPKL Open Forum, expressed the community's determination. "The footpath is missing — that's a design flaw they refuse to address, and we will not give up until it's fixed," he said. He explained that the new design keeps roads and utility ducts at the same level, allowing vehicles to enter what should be a raised, safe pedestrian area.
Beyond footpaths, Nuggehalli listed other incomplete projects: electrical networks, streetlights, water supply systems, and parks. "We are only asking for what the Town Planning Act mandates," he added.
Thulasi Prasad, a 59-year-old resident of NPKL 6th Block, shared her personal struggle. "We did not receive Cauvery water supply even after two years of moving into our house," she revealed. Officials had promised a connection within six months, but it never materialized. Most households now rely on borewells that provide hard water, creating management difficulties, especially with summer approaching.
While electricity has been provided, some neighbors still use temporary meters. Prasad noted that many families moved into the layout based on the promise of a reliable Cauvery water connection.
BDA Officials Respond and Cite Progress Reports
A senior BDA official addressed the concerns about footpaths. "If footpaths are added by reducing the carriageway, it could lead to more accidents," the official stated. The authority plans to consult experts to determine suitable solutions for each road. The official described road planning as a "zero-sum game" where widening one element often reduces another.
On smaller roads with low traffic, authorities sometimes skip footpaths under the assumption that pedestrians can walk safely on the road itself. The official acknowledged that execution mistakes often end up being blamed on the BDA.
According to the BDA's October 2025 progress report, the NPKL road project shows significant completion percentages:
- Road construction stands at 92% complete, with 257.8 kilometers finished and 21.5 kilometers remaining.
- Asphalt work has reached 71% completion, with 9.6 kilometers left to cover.
- Drain construction is 92% complete, with over 2.3 kilometers pending.
- Stormwater drain work is 89% complete, with just over 3 kilometers remaining.
- Minor bridges are 91% complete, with work pending on 98 structures.
Current Residential Status of the Layout
Approximately 100 families currently reside within the NPKL project area. The layout includes over 150 houses, with construction ongoing for additional units. Most residents live in Blocks 3, 4, 5, and 6. In total, the NPKL layout comprises around 28,000 plots, indicating significant future growth potential once infrastructure issues are resolved.
The persistent infrastructure gaps in NPKL highlight the challenges faced by residents in new township developments. While progress reports show high completion percentages, the lived experience of residents tells a different story—one of unmet promises and daily inconveniences. The community continues to advocate for the basic amenities and safety standards they were promised, hoping for swift action from the development authority.
