Bengaluru's Netaji Road Grapples with Severe Dust and Disruption from Prolonged Civic Works
In the eastern part of Bengaluru, residents and commuters along Netaji Road near the Cantonment area and the Frazer Town railway parallel road are enduring what many describe as "unliveable" conditions. Thick dust clouds, stemming from prolonged civic infrastructure projects, have transformed these stretches into significant health and safety hazards, disrupting daily life and livelihoods.
Ongoing Pipeline Works Cause Widespread Distress
For over a year, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been conducting pipeline works, leaving the road dug up with loose sand and debris. This has led to reduced visibility, polluted air, and uneven surfaces, making commuting particularly risky. Pedestrians, school students, and motorists are bearing the brunt of these challenges.
"Vehicles kick up so much dust that you can barely see the road ahead," said one commuter, highlighting frequent near-miss accidents caused by poor visibility and accumulated debris. What began as an infrastructure upgrade has evolved into a prolonged disruption, affecting both the local economy and community well-being.
Economic and Health Impacts on the Community
Shopkeepers in the area report a sharp decline in footfall, with many unable to sustain their businesses. "No one can stand here for more than 10 minutes," lamented Mohammed Saleem, a store owner on the stretch. Residents have also faced direct financial losses, such as Naseem Bano, who spent Rs 25,000 with neighbors to repair an electrical wire damaged during the works. "No agency took responsibility," she stated, noting that the disruption during Ramzan compounded their difficulties.
Air pollution has emerged as a serious health concern, with families reporting clogged air-conditioner vents and respiratory illnesses. One family member shared, "My son was hospitalised with a chest infection due to the dust." Public transport access has been severely hit, with buses no longer stopping along the stretch due to narrowed roads and high dust levels. Dinesh V, regional head of Jesus Call Prayer Tower, explained, "The buses halt nearly 500 metres away because the road has narrowed and dust levels are too high. It is very difficult for people to walk that far."
Encroachments and Alleged Neglect Worsen the Situation
Encroachments by roadside vendors on relatively motorable portions have further reduced carriageway space, exacerbating congestion along the already dug-up corridor. Despite repeated representations, including petitions to Pulakeshinagar MLA AC Srinivasa, residents allege little action has been taken. "The stretch near the MLA's residence is fixed, but our roads remain neglected," said Khalid Quraishi, a shopkeeper.
Originally scheduled for completion within two to three months, the project has dragged on for over a year, with recurring cycles of digging and patchwork every few weeks. In response to concerns, a BWSSB official attributed delays to phased pipeline execution. "The pipeline works are nearing completion, and once finished, the stretch will be handed over to the Greater Bengaluru Authority. The road will then be fully restored and asphalted," the official assured.
