GAIL fails to restore roads properly after digging them to lay pipelines

Residents in parts of north Bengaluru continue to suffer due to bad roads as the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) after laying network for distribution of piped natural gas (PNG) has failed to restore them.

People in areas like Hebbal, Yelahanka, Sanjaynagar, Jalahalli, though excited on getting piped gas connection are unhappy with the way the pipelines are being laid.

On some of the stretches, the long pipes that the GAIL had laid have come out of the ground posing danger to pedestrians. On a few roads, crushed stones used to cover the dug up area have not been properly laid.

Residents complain over the GAIL's shoddy work. The pedestrians and motorists are facing inconvenience without proper road and footpath.

Pavithra V, a resident of Sanjayanagara said: "GAIL work has completely damaged the road. During rain, we cant walk on the stretch because of the mud dug n the road."

"There are a lot of problems already on this stretch like potholes and bad road, now the add-on is GAIL's work," said Sharath Kumar, a resident of Jalahalli.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) agrees with the issue since the GAIL has to take up the restoration work also.

Speaking to the DH, S Somasekhar, chief engineer, BBMP, Road Infrastructure said: "the Palike commissioner has written a strong letter to the GAIL recently urging to restore the roads in time. But there is not much improvement in the restoration work."

Meanwhile, GAIL chief blames the recent rain for the shoddy work.

"We have taken the issue seriously and working to restore the roads. The recent rain in the city has caused problems while laying the pipeline and restoring the road. The work is been done by authorised contractors and I have directed them to do their job properly," said Partha Jana, General Manager (Projects), GAIL.