The mayor, while visiting the stretch of road, said Kanakpura Road is being widened to ease the congestion in traffic.

After public clamour, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to widen one km stretch from Banashankari Temple to Sarakki signal on Kanakapura Road by two metres. According to the civic authority, the work will start very soon.

Confirming the project, mayor Katte Satyanarayana said, "On Friday, we conducted a special cleaning drive and I, along with the local corporator, inspected the location. I have asked the officials to prepare an estimated timeline." They were also asked to shift the shoulder drain further inside to widen the road. "This will ease the traffic congestion on that stretch," he said.

The ongoing metro project creates a major traffic jam in this area during the rush hour. BBMP's decision will be a relief for the local residents and commuters. Narendra, a regular commuter, said, "Riding my bike from Banashankari temple to Sarakki signal has become a nightmare. The road is in the worst possible condition due to the ongoing metro work. I haven't seen such a condition for the past 10 years." He said regular plying of BMTC buses and lorries on this narrow road makes the situation worse.

However, the problem is not with the narrow road alone. The pavement is also in a wretched condition and people often have to walk on the road during rush hour as some of the residents have encroached on the pavement. Former mayor S K Nataraj alleged, "Just opposite to Sarakki market, many residents have encroached the service road. We have complained to the authority about it."

Reproduced from Bangalore Mirror