<p>Bengaluru: The death of a 19-year-old motorist on the 100 feet road connecting Sarjapur Road to Carmelaram Church has once again highlighted concerns over poor road design and maintenance in southwest Bengaluru.</p>.<p>The 1.7-km stretch, from Belenus Champion Hospital on Sarjapur Road towards Gunjur Doddakanneli Road, has been a hotspot for accidents since its construction two years ago.</p>.<p>The road begins as a four-lane stretch, but suddenly narrows to two lanes near Mullur Lake. After 200-300 meters, it widens back to four lanes, with a 400–500 meter stretches left unpaved.</p>.Road accident in Punjab leaves nine dead.<p><strong>Fatal accident</strong> </p>.<p>On January 21, around 6 pm, Nixon, a 19-year-old motorist, was riding towards Mount Carmel Forane Church in Carmelaram when he met with an accident.</p>.<p>A local resident said a tanker lorry was ahead of Nixon at the time, with a black car behind. However, he noted, “There is no CCTV to capture how the accident happened. The only camera is at Belenus Hospital Junction, at least 300 meters away.”</p>.<p>Freesto Francis, a resident of Carmelaram-Sarjapur Road, criticised the road’s sudden transition from four lanes to two. “The mud road after the two-lane stretch is manageable, but this abrupt narrowing is a major risk. There are no warning signboards or speed breakers, making it dangerous,” he said.</p>.<p><strong>Another accident</strong> </p>.<p>Another accident reportedly occurred on the same stretch on January 26.</p>.<p>Vijith Nambiar, another resident, pointed out the risks for daily commuters. </p>.<p>“We know the bad design, but what about someone riding here for the first time? It’s a death trap, especially for delivery riders rushing to meet deadlines.”</p>.<p>He further criticised authorities for prioritising the Central Business District (CBD) while neglecting rapidly growing areas like southwest Bengaluru, home to at least 20 international schools.</p>.<p>“At the very least, the authorities should install proper signage and CCTV cameras for commuters’ safety,” Freesto added.</p>.<p><strong>BBMP cites land acquisition issues</strong></p>.<p>A Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) official attributed the sudden narrowing of the road to unresolved land acquisition issues. </p>.<p>“Once the land matter is sorted, we will asphalt the pending stretch,” he stated.</p>.<p>Regarding safety measures, he said, “CCTV cameras are typically installed in areas prone to chain snatching and theft. Signboards will be put up only after the roadwork is completed.”</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The death of a 19-year-old motorist on the 100 feet road connecting Sarjapur Road to Carmelaram Church has once again highlighted concerns over poor road design and maintenance in southwest Bengaluru.</p>.<p>The 1.7-km stretch, from Belenus Champion Hospital on Sarjapur Road towards Gunjur Doddakanneli Road, has been a hotspot for accidents since its construction two years ago.</p>.<p>The road begins as a four-lane stretch, but suddenly narrows to two lanes near Mullur Lake. After 200-300 meters, it widens back to four lanes, with a 400–500 meter stretches left unpaved.</p>.Road accident in Punjab leaves nine dead.<p><strong>Fatal accident</strong> </p>.<p>On January 21, around 6 pm, Nixon, a 19-year-old motorist, was riding towards Mount Carmel Forane Church in Carmelaram when he met with an accident.</p>.<p>A local resident said a tanker lorry was ahead of Nixon at the time, with a black car behind. However, he noted, “There is no CCTV to capture how the accident happened. The only camera is at Belenus Hospital Junction, at least 300 meters away.”</p>.<p>Freesto Francis, a resident of Carmelaram-Sarjapur Road, criticised the road’s sudden transition from four lanes to two. “The mud road after the two-lane stretch is manageable, but this abrupt narrowing is a major risk. There are no warning signboards or speed breakers, making it dangerous,” he said.</p>.<p><strong>Another accident</strong> </p>.<p>Another accident reportedly occurred on the same stretch on January 26.</p>.<p>Vijith Nambiar, another resident, pointed out the risks for daily commuters. </p>.<p>“We know the bad design, but what about someone riding here for the first time? It’s a death trap, especially for delivery riders rushing to meet deadlines.”</p>.<p>He further criticised authorities for prioritising the Central Business District (CBD) while neglecting rapidly growing areas like southwest Bengaluru, home to at least 20 international schools.</p>.<p>“At the very least, the authorities should install proper signage and CCTV cameras for commuters’ safety,” Freesto added.</p>.<p><strong>BBMP cites land acquisition issues</strong></p>.<p>A Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) official attributed the sudden narrowing of the road to unresolved land acquisition issues. </p>.<p>“Once the land matter is sorted, we will asphalt the pending stretch,” he stated.</p>.<p>Regarding safety measures, he said, “CCTV cameras are typically installed in areas prone to chain snatching and theft. Signboards will be put up only after the roadwork is completed.”</p>