Bengaluru: Friday morning brought a pleasant surprise for thousands of commuters on Haralur Main Road. For the first time in months, they could navigate the stretch without dodging potholes, crawling through damaged sections, or worrying about loose gravel. The transformation came after TOI highlighted the road's poor condition and the frequent accidents, near-misses, and traffic snarls faced by commuters. Acting swiftly, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao and Bengaluru South City Corporation (BSCC) commissioner KN Ramesh ordered civic personnel to carry out asphalting works on the stretch between Birla Junction and Prestige Ferns Residency.
Swift Action by Authorities
BSCC closed Haralur Road after 10 pm on Thursday to undertake asphalting and requested commuters to avoid the stretch for a few hours. By Friday morning, one round of asphalting was completed. The breakneck speed at which the work was carried out won appreciation from commuters and residents of apartments flanking Haralur Road, which connects Sarjapur Road with Hosur Road.
Immediate Relief for Commuters
Locals said the difference was immediately visible, with traffic movement becoming smoother and commuting less stressful. Many welcomed the prompt response from civic authorities, stating that the temporary repairs made the road motorable after months of hardship. The road had been a source of concern due to persistent potholes, dug-up sections, and drainage works, with commuters reporting frequent skidding incidents and accidents. The issue also drew complaints from apartment residents, office-goers, and others who use the corridor daily.
Residents Express Gratitude and Hope
While welcoming the temporary relief, residents noted that a permanent solution is still awaited. BSCC officials stated that drainage works in the area will continue and that two additional layers of asphalt will be laid after the completion of the ongoing works. For now, residents say they are simply relieved to have a safer and smoother road to travel on.
Rohit Gurnani, a resident of Haralur, said, “The recent road repairs in Haralur are a welcome step and the improvement is clearly noticeable. It is encouraging to see authorities acting on long-pending concerns raised by residents after the issues were highlighted in TOI. While issues such as drainage, waterlogging, waste management, and encroached footpaths still need attention, this shows that resident feedback is being heard. We hope the same momentum continues so that the remaining civic issues are also addressed and the locality sees comprehensive development.”
Nikhil Sharma, an IT employee, said, “My ride today was very smooth... I am very happy about the work taken up by the corporation. However, we want the corporation to keep up its promise to finish the drain works and give us a good quality road. We are happy about the quick changes that have happened.”
Neha Mehta, another resident of Haralur, said, “The condition is much better compared to what it was earlier. The repairs have provided much-needed relief, and thanks to the article, things moved quickly. The intervention was badly needed because this road is used by a large number of commuters, including those travelling from HSR Layout to Sarjapur Road who often avoid the Outer Ring Road and use Haralur Road instead. It is a crucial corridor, and I hope the drain works are completed soon and we get a proper permanent road, as many of us depend on this stretch every day.”
