On Friday, a school bus carrying around 20 children narrowly avoided toppling into a cratered section of the Panathur–Balagere road, exposing serious road safety issues in the city. The bus had to be evacuated through the back door as terrified students were rescued, highlighting the dangers posed by poorly maintained streets.
Officials and citizens have expressed outrage at the continuing neglect, despite repeated assurances from government authorities. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister had personally inspected this stretch of road just a few months ago, but promises to repair it have yet to materialize. Commuters and parents question why, despite significant taxpayer funding and multiple inspections, basic road safety continues to be overlooked.
The Panathur–Balagere road, notorious for its craters and slushy patches, has long been a hazard for motorists, pedestrians, and school children. Citizens argue that repeated “photo-op inspections” and press conferences do little to address the underlying infrastructural deficiencies.
In addition to the road hazards, Bengaluru has seen growing concerns over traffic-related misconduct. Reports of incidents, including a bus driver allegedly harassing a 15-year-old girl, have raised questions about oversight and accountability on city roads.
Parents and civic activists are demanding immediate corrective action, calling for regular maintenance, strict monitoring, and robust safety measures for school transport. Authorities have been urged to treat public safety as a top priority, ensuring that children and citizens can commute without fear, rather than relying solely on assurances or symbolic inspections.
