Residents of Ashwath Nagar, Vinayaka Layout, and Geddalahalli struggle with unsafe road conditions

Residents of Ashwath Nagar, Vinayaka Layout, and Geddalahalli in North Bengaluru have been enduring unsafe and neglected conditions for over a year due to a 1-km road connecting to the Hennur-Bagalur Main Road, which remains clogged with garbage and construction debris. The stretch, crucial for daily commuters, schoolchildren, and emergency vehicles, has become a danger zone, particularly for children and the elderly.

 Locals attribute the deteriorating condition to the ongoing Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, particularly track work between Yelahanka and Channasandra. Attempts to clear the area have been repeatedly stalled, as railway officials cite jurisdictional issues while the BBMP refuses to intervene, claiming the road falls under railway authority. Jayashree Ananth S, a resident of Victoria Layout, expressed her frustration, stating that she has never seen the road clean. “We even tried fixing it ourselves, but the railway authorities halted our efforts.

We can’t even let our kids play outside,” she said. Despite raising Rs 12 lakh in December 2024 to install streetlights, residents say the area remains cluttered and hazardous. RS Pinto, who represents 160 families, criticized the authorities for neglecting the issue. “BBMP says it’s railway land, while the railways claim it’s not their responsibility.” The BBMP has acknowledged garbage collection delays due to a lack of disposal vehicles, while a railway official stated that public access to railway land is unofficial, and waste is being dumped at night by unknown individuals.