Repair work on Kino theatre stuck as Palike, BWSSB pass buck

 The work on the railway underpass near Kino theatre at Anand Rao Circle, where waterlogging problems are common during rains, has been stalled as BBMP and BWSSB officials pass the buck to each other. But the road is thrown open to traffic even as the work is in progress.

A pipeline was being laid

by BBMP to prevent waterlogging. But even before the completion of asphalting process and removal of debris, vehicular movement has been allowed.

Siddegowda, engineer, stormwater drains (SWDs), Banaswadi region, said, “We have covered the SWD. A pipe has been laid at the underpass towards Mantri Mall to prevent waterlogging. Another pipe for sewerage has to be laid by BWSSB officials. Only then, can we do the remaining work.”

The concrete debris along the path has left no room for pedestrians, while the uneven road makes it difficult for the movement of vehicles. The walls along the sides of the road also seem to be in dire need of renovation.

When contacted, BWSSB officials denied any responsibility. “It is the work of BBMP officials to asphalt the surface, remove the concrete debris and build footpaths. We do not have any role in this,” said Basavaraju, assistant executive engineer, BWSSB.

Dilapidated bridge

Of the three railway bridges near Kino theatre, one of them is in a dilapidated condition. Although a signboard cautioning passersby of the rickety bridge has been placed near the road, no repair work has started. It is common to see motorists and pedestrians stop below the bridge whenever a train passes over it, as they fear waste falling on them.