Doddamara Road, connecting Hosur and Sarjapur roads, is constantly full of craters and waterlogged stretches
Local residents say they have been petitioning elected representatives and govt agencies since at least 2016, demanding a durable road and a proper drainage network. Pius Sebastian, a resident, said, “I’ve lived here since 2016, and for almost a decade, residents have been forced to endure one of the worst roads in Bengaluru. “We’ve submitted more than 30 representations over the years.
Portions of the road have remained dug up or occupied because of BWSSB pipeline works for more than three years, according to a memorandum submitted by the residents. Because of the state of the road, “I feel embarrassed inviting people home.
We’ve seen multiple accidents and even fatalities on this stretch,” said a resident, requesting anonymity. A resident said his wife, who suffers from a slipped disc, struggles to travel on the uneven surface while concerns over safety have forced him to stop his child from cycling to school. All we are asking for is a proper road built to standard specifications,” another resident said. When it rains, schoolchildren have to walk through pools of water,” another resident said. The school authorities said concerns raised by parents visiting the campus prompted them to undertake the work. Parents questioned how young children could travel on such roads every day,” said Sheeja Menon, principal of the school. The road forms part of an important 2km corridor used by several educational institutions, hundreds of school buses and thousands of residents, according to the school. We could not repair the entire road, but we decided to improve the stretch directly in front of our campus and reduce the discomfort for students and parents as much as possible,” Sheeja said.
Bengaluru: For residents living along Doddamara Road, the 2km stretch in Rayasandra that connects Hosur Road and Sarjapur Road, daily commute has become an ordeal of navigating craters, waterlogged stretches and a road many claim has never been properly developed despite years of appeals to authorities. However, despite multiple representations, site visits by officials and repeated assurances, little has changed on the ground. They allege that the condition of the road has worsened since Cauvery Stage V pipeline works were taken up, with subsequent restoration proving inadequate. They claim that litigation involving a section of the road has repeatedly been cited as a reason for delays in undertaking comprehensive road improvement works. “We’ve been living here for years, but there has never really been a proper road. It was always muddy and slushy. After the pipeline work, only temporary restoration was carried out. Thousands of schoolchildren and tech professionals use this stretch every day, but commuters continue to navigate potholes, mud and broken surfaces. School buses get delayed, cabs often refuse trips and even a short drive leaves you with back pain. Despite repeated complaints, nothing has changed. For a road that connects key residential and IT corridors, the level of neglect is shocking. Adding to the problem is the absence of an adequate drainage network. Residents say rainwater frequently accumulates on the road during showers, submerging potholes and creating dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians, particularly after dark. There are hundreds of apartment units and several independent houses here, but basic infrastructure is still missing. Doddamara Road falls under Anekal assembly constituency. Multiple attempts by TOI to contact MLA B Shivanna for his response went in vain. Residents claim that several of their representations have also been addressed to the MLA over the years. “While they (parents) were convinced about the school, its infrastructure and philosophy, many expressed concerns about the condition of the road. Despite repeated representations by local residents and discussions with panchayat members, little progress has been made on improving the stretch. “There have been several meetings and discussions with local authorities, and residents have also raised the issue multiple times. But nothing changed. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands within your capacity.
Today, the condition is pathetic. Even today, people are unsure which agency is responsible.
Vidyashilp School recently asphalted over 50 metres of Doddamara Road in front of its upcoming campus. The school is set to commence classes from preparatory level to class 4 next academic year and has already begun the admissions process. “Finally, around 50 metres of Doddamara Road is asphalted by Vidyashilp School, at their own cost.
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