The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has termed a viral video showing a sinkhole on a newly constructed major arterial road in Bengaluru as misleading, asserting that the road is safe and the footage does not depict a sinkhole but a pothole.
BDA Clarifies on Viral Video
In a statement issued on Thursday, the BDA said the video, which has been circulating on social media, shows a small depression on the road surface that was caused by a utility trench dug by a private agency. The authority clarified that it is not a sinkhole, as claimed, and that the road was built to specification.
According to a BDA official, the depression was noticed on Wednesday and immediately filled with asphalt. The road, which connects Bannerghatta Road to Kanakapura Road, was inaugurated in December last year and is part of the BDA's major infrastructure projects in the city.
Details of the Incident
The video, shot by a resident, showed a visible depression on the road surface, with water seeping through cracks. The resident claimed that the road had developed a sinkhole just months after construction, raising questions about the quality of work. However, the BDA countered that the depression was only about 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide, and not a sinkhole, which typically involves a collapse of the ground.
The BDA also stated that the road was constructed using high-quality materials and had passed all quality checks. The utility trench, dug by a telecom company, was not properly backfilled, leading to the depression. The BDA has taken up the matter with the concerned agency.
Impact and Assurance
The BDA assured the public that the road is safe for use and that no structural damage has occurred. The authority has also instructed its engineers to inspect the entire stretch for any other potential issues. The road, which cost approximately ₹400 crore to build, is a key corridor for commuters in the southern part of Bengaluru.
Residents, however, remain skeptical, with some expressing concerns about the durability of the road. The BDA has urged people to verify facts before sharing videos on social media, as such posts can create unnecessary panic.
