Bengaluru: Residents and commuters on Netaji Road near the Cantonment area and Frazer Town railway parallel road in the eastern part of the city say they are being forced to navigate “unliveable” conditions, as thick dust clouds from prolonged civic works have turned the stretch into a health and safety hazard.For over a year, ongoing pipeline works by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) have left the road dug up, with loose sand and debris routinely kicked up by passing vehicles. Reduced visibility, polluted air and uneven surfaces have made commuting particularly risky, with pedestrians, school students and motorists bearing the brunt.“Vehicles kick up so much dust that you can barely see the road ahead,” said a commuter, pointing to frequent near-miss accidents caused by poor visibility and accumulated debris.What began as an infrastructure upgrade evolved into a prolonged disruption, affecting both livelihoods and daily life. Shopkeepers report a sharp decline in footfall. “No one can stand here for more than 10 minutes,” said Mohammed Saleem, who runs a store on the stretch.Residents say the situation has also led to direct financial losses. Naseem Bano, a local resident, said her family, along with neighbours, spent Rs 25,000 to repair an electrical wire damaged during the works. “No agency took responsibility,” she said, adding that the disruption during Ramzan compounded their difficulties.Air pollution has emerged as a serious health concern. Families report clogged air-conditioner vents and respiratory illnesses. “My son was hospitalised with a chest infection due to the dust,” a family member said.Public transport access has also been hit. Dinesh V, regional head of Jesus Call Prayer Tower, said buses no longer stop along the stretch. “The buses halt nearly 500 metres away because the road has narrowed and dust levels are too high. It is very difficult for people to walk that far,” he said.Encroachments by roadside vendors on relatively motorable portions have further reduced carriageway space, worsening congestion along the already dug-up corridor.Despite repeated representations, including petitions to Pulakeshinagar MLA AC Srinivasa, residents allege little action has been taken. “The stretch near the MLA’s residence is fixed, but our roads remain neglected,” said Khalid Quraishi, a shopkeeper.Originally scheduled for completion within two to three months, the project has dragged on for over a year, with recurring cycles of digging and patchwork every few weeks.Responding to concerns, a BWSSB official said the delays were due to phased pipeline execution. “The pipeline works are nearing completion, and once finished, the stretch will be handed over to the Greater Bengaluru Authority. The road will then be fully restored and asphalted,” the official said.(By Nyasa Gupta and Jia Khosla)
