Service Road Turns into a Lake: Locals Blame NHAI for Negligence

HAVERI

Heavy rains over the past two months have turned the service road near Vanahalli Cross in Shiggavi taluk into a waterlogged mess, resembling a lake. This stretch, adjacent to the national highway, has become a nightmare for local commuters, farmers, and students, who are now forced to wade through muddy or dusty terrain depending on the season.

The service road, which was meant to ease congestion on the highway by accommodating rural traffic, remains incomplete due to the negligence of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), locals allege. Though some patchy work was done, most of the stretch from Shiggavi town to Vanahalli Cross, passing through Phoenix School and the Government First Grade College, remains unfinished and unusable.

Due to this, residents from nearby villages like Vanahalli, Kamanahalli, and Gootagodi are forced either to brave the unsafe service road or risk their lives on the national highway. The condition worsens during the rainy season when the road turns into a muddy trap, and during summer, thick dust makes visibility poor, leading to frequent accidents. Students, particularly, are the worst affected, as they walk these roads daily.

Many people have reportedly sustained injuries, and some are undergoing treatment. Despite repeated verbal appeals to the authorities, there has been no tangible response.

“We have made many verbal appeals but to no avail so far. The department concerned with smooth traffic should pay attention,” said farmer leader Shankaragodra Patil.

Residents have now submitted a formal request to NHAI officials demanding urgent action to complete the roadwork and ensure safe passage for all.

BOX

🔹 Major villages affected: Vanahalli, Kamanahalli, Gootagodi

🔹 Institutions impacted: Phoenix School, Govt First Grade College

🔹 Key demand: Immediate completion of service road construction