Broken grates installed for rainwater drainage in the underpass connecting the Dodballapur railway station to the Hindupur-Yelahanka state highway have left two-wheeler and vehicle riders traveling in fear. The underpass, located near the railway station which links the city bus stand to Bengaluru and the Basethihalli industrial area, has become a hazardous route for commuters. Residents complain that the underpass was constructed unscientifically in a location suitable for an overbridge and has failed to manage the increasing vehicular traffic.
Even light rainfall causes water to accumulate in the low-lying underpass, obstructing the movement of bikes and autos. Although buses are known to use the route, the drains constructed for rainwater drainage lack high-quality grates. Manu, a resident of Shrinagar, stated that during power outages at night, vehicle riders have fallen into the broken grates, resulting in broken limbs. He noted that officials only react after a life-threatening incident occurs, despite previous petitions submitted to the city council which have been ignored.
The broken grates produce a loud, jarring noise whenever any vehicle, including bikes, passes over them, causing alarm among commuters. Local residents expressed severe dissatisfaction, pointing out that representatives and officials travel through this underpass daily yet act as if they do not see the issue. They questioned the level of concern these officials have for public safety given their apparent indifference to the hazardous conditions.
