Residents and daily commuters in Bengaluru's eastern corridor are facing extreme difficulties as Panathur Road has transformed into a treacherous, slushy passage following recent rainfall and ongoing infrastructure work. The situation has become so severe that people are forced to abandon their vehicles and navigate through knee-deep muddy water, creating massive disruptions to daily life.
The Daily Struggle on Panathur Road
The problem stems from a combination of factors including incomplete stormwater drain work and persistent waterlogging that has plagued this important connector road between Kadabeesanahalli and Panathur. Commuters report that the stretch near the railway crossing has become particularly dangerous, with vehicles frequently getting stuck in the thick mud.
Local residents have expressed their frustration with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for what they describe as inadequate response to the recurring problem. The situation becomes particularly challenging during peak morning and evening hours when office-goers and school children must navigate the hazardous conditions.
Infrastructure Failures and Official Response
According to local authorities, the waterlogging issue has been exacerbated by the ongoing construction of a railway overbridge (ROB) in the area. The construction work has apparently disrupted natural drainage patterns, causing water to accumulate on the road surface and mix with soil to create the current slushy conditions.
BBMP officials acknowledged the problem but cited the railway project as a significant contributing factor. The coordination between different civic agencies has emerged as a key concern, with residents questioning why alternative arrangements weren't made before the situation deteriorated to this extent.
Impact on Daily Commuters and Local Businesses
The poor road conditions have created a ripple effect across the entire area. Commuters who rely on this route are experiencing significant delays in their daily travel, with many reporting additional transportation costs due to having to take longer alternative routes.
Local businesses have also suffered as customers find it difficult to access shops and commercial establishments along the affected stretch. Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers are increasingly refusing to take passengers through this route, further compounding the transportation challenges for residents.
The situation highlights the broader infrastructure challenges facing Bengaluru, particularly in rapidly developing areas like Whitefield where urban planning has struggled to keep pace with growth. Similar waterlogging and road condition issues have been reported in other parts of the city during the rainy season, but the Panathur Road situation stands out for its severity and duration.
As the community waits for a permanent solution, temporary measures including the deployment of pumps to remove stagnant water have provided only minimal relief. The experience of Panathur Road commuters serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better urban infrastructure planning and more effective inter-agency coordination in India's technology capital.
