A deep and unmarked pothole on a busy Bengaluru road has left an IT professional with serious injuries. The accident occurred on the Panathur-Gunjur Palya stretch near the Comprehensive Development Plan road in east Bengaluru.
Accident Details and Immediate Aftermath
Sridhar M, who works for a multinational company on Outer Ring Road, was riding his scooter home on Monday evening. He traveled along a narrow road connecting Panathur village to CDP Road. Many commuters use this route to avoid chronic traffic congestion on ORR and Old Airport Road.
"I was riding at about 30 kilometers per hour," Sridhar explained. "An oncoming vehicle approached me. Since the road is barely fifteen feet wide, I moved slightly to the left as I normally do. My scooter then entered a half moon-shaped cut in the road. It was nearly five to six inches deep. I lost control within a few feet and fell."
Severe Injuries and Medical Treatment
The scooter veered off the tarred portion of the road into a muddy area. There was no footpath or barrier to prevent the fall. Sridhar landed on the edge of the road, striking his right shoulder against the sharp tar-and-stone surface.
"I lost consciousness for a few minutes," he recalled. "People passing by stopped to help. They gave me water and moved my scooter."
Later medical examinations revealed multiple fractures with a deep cut across his shoulder bone. Doctors initially advised surgery with an estimated cost between one point two lakh and one point five lakh rupees. After consulting multiple hospitals, Sridhar received different opinions. Some doctors suggested the injury might heal through conservative treatment. Surgery could still become necessary depending on his recovery progress.
Impact on Daily Life and Commuter Concerns
Sridhar must now take complete rest for at least one month. He will need another two to three months before he can resume driving. The injury has significantly disrupted his daily routine.
"Both my wife and I work," Sridhar said. "I used to drop my daughter at school and help manage household responsibilities. Now everything is affected."
Broader Road Maintenance Issues
Residents and commuters report that Panathur, Gunjurpalya, and CDP Road stretches have suffered from poor maintenance for a long time. Authorities have announced pothole-filling drives repeatedly. Yet gravel-filled craters remain common on these roads.
"Filling potholes with loose gravel and leaving the road like that is even more dangerous," Sridhar emphasized. "I survived with fractures. Next time, someone may not."
This incident once again draws attention to the hazardous condition of roads in Bengaluru's tech corridor. It highlights the urgent need for proper infrastructure maintenance and safety measures.
