Cratered city: Mysuru's roads crumble as civic woes mount

Shyam Sundar Vattam

Mysuru

Mysuru's roads are in a pitiable state following recent spells of heavy rain, exposing the fragile infrastructure and slow-paced civic response.

Several key areas in the city remain either dug up or potholed, making commuting a daily ordeal for residents.

As part of the ongoing network upgrade of old underground drainage (UGD) lines and laying of gas pipelines, many roads across the city were dug up. However, even after the completion of pipeline work, crucial stretches in Vidyaranyapuram, Chamundipuram, and Jhansi Lakshmibai Road continue to remain un-asphalted, leaving behind dusty tracks and damaged surfaces.

At Gurukar Devaiah Road, near Sayyaji Rao Road, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has initiated UGD work but has yet to complete it.

 In another glaring example, the road near JSS Hospital, which handles thousands of vehicles including the ambulances daily, remains unrepaired though the UGD work was completed nearly two months ago.

Adding to the citizens’ frustration, Rama Vilasa Road in Devaraja Mohalla is riddled with potholes. Ironically, this dangerous stretch lies barely a kilometer from the MCC office. Despite the obvious risk to motorists, there's no sign of timely intervention.

At Ashoka Circle (formerly Ballal Circle), ongoing UGD work has resulted in dug-up roads with heaps of silt dumped near the bus shelter. The work here progresses at a snail’s pace, evoking widespread displeasure among commuters and shopkeepers alike.

When contacted, an MCC official informed City Hilights that asphalting will begin only after the monsoon, claiming that earlier repairs would be washed away by the rains. As a temporary measure, potholes are being filled to ease traffic flow.

For a city known for its cleanliness and heritage charm, the condition of Mysuru's roads has become an eyesore and a danger that cannot be ignored much longer.