Bengaluru: Friday morning was pleasantly different for thousands of commuters using Haralur Main Road. For the first time in months, they were able to navigate the stretch without having to dodge potholes, crawl through damaged sections or worry about loose gravel.The transformation came after TOI highlighted the poor condition of the road and the frequent accidents, near-misses and traffic snarls faced by the commuters. Acting swiftly, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao and Bengaluru South City Corporation (BSCC) commissioner KN Ramesh ordered the civic personnel to carry out asphalting works on the stretch between Birla Junction and Prestige Ferns Residency.BSCC closed Haralur Road post 10pm Thursday to take up asphalting works and requested commuters to avoid the stretch for a few hours. By Friday morning, one round of asphalting was carried out. In fact, the breakneck speed at which asphalting was carried out has won appreciation from the commuters and residents of apartments flanking Haralur Road, which connects Sarjapur Road with Hosur Road.Locals said the difference was immediately visible, with traffic movement becoming smoother and commuting less stressful. Many welcomed the prompt response from civic authorities, saying the temporary repairs made the road motorable after months of hardship.The road was a source of concern due to persistent potholes, dug-up sections and drainage works, with commuters reporting frequent skidding incidents and accidents. The issue also drew complaints from apartment residents, office-goers and others who use the corridor daily.While welcoming the temporary relief, residents noted that a permanent solution is still awaited. BSCC officials stated that drainage works in the area will continue and that two additional layers of asphalt will be laid after the completion of the ongoing works.For now, however, residents say they are simply relieved to have a safer and smoother road to travel on.Rohit Gurnani, a resident of Haralur, said, “The recent road repairs in Haralur are a welcome step and the improvement is clearly noticeable. It is encouraging to see authorities acting on long-pending concerns raised by residents after the issues were highlighted in TOI. While issues such as drainage, waterlogging, waste management and encroached footpaths still need attention, this shows that resident feedback is being heard. We hope the same momentum continues so that the remaining civic issues are also addressed and the locality sees comprehensive development.”Nikhil Sharma, an IT employee, said, “My ride today was very smooth… I am very happy about the work taken up by the corporation. However, we want the corporation to keep up its promise to finish the drain works and give us a good quality road. We are happy about the quick changes that have happened.”Neha Mehta, another resident of Haralur, said, “The condition is much better compared to what it was earlier. The repairs have provided much-needed relief, and thanks to the article, things moved quickly. The intervention was badly needed because this road is used by a large number of commuters, including those travelling from HSR Layout to Sarjapur Road who often avoid the Outer Ring Road and use Haralur Road instead. It is a crucial corridor, and I hope the drain works are completed soon and we get a proper permanent road, as many of us depend on this stretch every day.”
