Bengaluru Residents Fear for Lives as Railway Wall Construction Causes Land Erosion
In Bengaluru, mere 500 meters from KR Pura railway station, numerous residents are living in constant fear for their lives and property. On Tuesday, part of the basement in a residential layout bordering the railway line eroded, posing a severe risk to several lives. This alarming situation has escalated tensions in the densely populated area.
Construction of Retaining Wall Triggers Partial Collapse
According to local residents, the partial collapse occurred following the construction of a concrete retaining wall just a week ago. This wall is a critical component of the quadrupling works along the KR Pura-Byappanhalli line, a major infrastructure project designed to alleviate rail congestion in the city. The stretch, located in NR Layout within Doorvani Nagar, includes not only residential buildings but also an Anugraha AG church, which hosts Sunday masses attended by approximately 50 families.
"Lot of children play around in this area and devotees, including young and the elderly, come here every Sunday to participate in the holy mass. Now, the situation is risky as the platform can erode any time," said Goodfy Solvin, the treasurer of the church. Solvin highlighted the immediate danger, pointing out a pit that was once a well-concreted platform just days ago.
Residents Lodge Complaints and Express Frustration
Residents promptly lodged a complaint with South Western Railway (SWR) on Tuesday. In response, engineers from SWR visited the site on Wednesday and promised to resolve the issue. However, despite parts of the area being barricaded, cracks remain visible near residential buildings during a recent reality check. Vehicles passing through the area continue to generate relatively high vibrations in the ground, exacerbating the instability.
The removal of a tree during the construction process has further contributed to this life-threatening scenario. "When they (SWR) removed it, the roots ran deep into the basements of our houses. They visited the spot but till today (Thursday) nothing has been done, nor a fixed timeline has been assured to sort out the issue," expressed Venkatesh S, a concerned resident.
Demands for Enhanced Safety Measures
Venkatesh has demanded that once the issue is addressed, the retaining wall should be raised several feet higher above the platform level. "Right now, the wall is at a lower height than the road, a lot of children roam around this area especially during the church days. There is a risk of them falling into the railway track. On the opposite side, the wall is built higher, but the residential area has been exposed," he added, emphasizing the need for balanced safety precautions.
SWR's Response and Assurance
In contrast, SWR officials have maintained that the safety of residential buildings has been adequately considered. "There is adequate distance between the retaining wall and the residential buildings. The wall will be raised above road level to safeguard the road and nearby houses. The work is being planned to be completed within a week," an official stated, aiming to reassure the public while outlining a timeline for remedial actions.
This incident underscores the critical balance between urban development and community safety, as Bengaluru continues to expand its infrastructure amidst growing residential concerns.
