Bengaluru's troubled Bannerghatta road gets a temporary fix, bigger upgrade awaited

Over the past two days, Bengaluru South City Corporation has been filling potholes with bitumen and tar between Vega City Mall Junction and Arekere Junction. The stretch is known for damaged road surfaces and slow-moving traffic. The work has brought relief to motorists using the corridor.

Authorities have started repairs on Bannerghatta Road following months of public frustration. The ongoing work covers the section between Vega City Mall Junction and Arekere Junction. Officials said the exercise is intended to make the road safer and more navigable.

The pothole-filling work comes as Bengaluru has welcomed the monsoon. Officials said the current exercise is a temporary measure. They added that the work is aimed at improving road conditions during the season.

A senior BSCC official said the pothole-filling process will be completed by Wednesday. The official also said some BWSSB work is pending. According to the official, this has prevented complete relaying of the road.

Officials said a fund crunch has prevented complete resurfacing of Bannerghatta Road. They stated that the amount currently available is not sufficient to complete repairs. The condition of the road has worsened over time, according to civic authorities.

Officials said Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation was expected to complete damaged portions of the road after Metro construction. They added that Rs 12.5 crore has been set aside for repairs. BMRCL deposited the money with BSCC and asked it to undertake the work.

The damaged condition of Bannerghatta Road has triggered reactions from commuters and residents. The corridor has been marked by potholes and broken surfaces. The issue has drawn attention from road users over recent months.

BSCC has transferred the proposed road development project to Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd. The agency is preparing a detailed project report. The proposal includes comprehensive redevelopment of the corridor.

Officials said B-Smile has proposed white-topping on the road. The agency is currently preparing plans for the project. The proposal forms part of a larger redevelopment exercise for the corridor.

Officials estimate that reconstruction, drainage works and white-topping along the six-lane stretch could cost between Rs 85 crore and Rs 100 crore. The estimate is part of the proposed comprehensive redevelopment plan. Detailed project preparations are currently underway.