'MG Road footpath work shoddy'

The footpath on MG Road has been damaged within a few months of being restored by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

It has been five months since the footpath was restored, but some tiles have already come out.

The footpath, which is a part of Rs 37 crore project, has exposed the substandard work carried out by the government agencies.
While in some places, the pavement has caved in, tiles have come out in some other places, which might come in the way of pedestrians and there could be chances of them tripping and falling. This might mostly pose a problem for senior citizens.

"The BBMP had claimed that the footpath relaid on this road was of international standards. But it is not even fit for pedestrians, physically challenged and senior citizens to walk. As the pathway was laid recently and has worn out in some parts, it gives us a fair idea about the quality of the work that they do. They would have spent crores of rupees on this project, but what is the use if it is of a questionable quality?" asked, a pedestrian who did not wish to be named.

However, S Somashekar, chief engineer, road infrastructure said, "We have undertaken the footpath work of MG Road in June-July and the work is in progress. We have decided that the contract will be given only to those contractors who will ensure that it will last longer. If it is seen that the footpath needs repair, then it is the responsibility of the contractor and they have to restore it with their own money."