Yawning craters pose threat to commuters at Veerannapalya junction

Veerannapalya Junction on the Outer Ring Road near Nagawara is riddled with huge water-filled craters, causing accidents and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.

Recently, Anoop Murali, an IT professional from Jakkur, had a harrowing experience when the front wheels of his car got stuck in a crater at Veerannapalya junction.

“I was stuck for more than an hour and finally with the help of some labourers, I managed to pull my car out. A few residents and motorists suggested that I call a crane service, but the road was completely blocked and there was no way a crane could reach there,” Murali said.

Motorists complain that the flyover along the Outer Ring Road has not done much to ease traffic congestion at the junction. “The road has been in a pathetic condition for many years. Even the service road along the Outer Ring Road is in a bad state,” said Muniyappa N, a resident of Nagawara.

Deaf ears

Residents also said that their complaints to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have fallen on deaf ears.

Shivakumar, a shopkeeper, said that though the Veerannapalya Main Road was asphalted recently, the surface wore out within a few days.

“The area that falls under Sarvagnanagar constituency has been been always neglected. The service road is muddy and unfit for use. Considering the number of IT hubs located here and the increased traffic density, steps should be taken to repair the roads at the earliest,” he said.

When the local Byatarayanapura ward corporator Indira was contacted, she said the residents were responsible for the mess.

“Some years ago, the apartment dwellers dug up roads for underground drainage work. They did not take prior permission from the civic agencies and carried out the work unscientifically,” she said, adding that she would inspect the area soon.