BANGLAORE: The Nayandanahalli underpass, constructed by the Bangalore Development Authority and opened in 2010, is a nightmare to users, especially when it rains.
The underpass, 207 metres long and 42 metres wide, is big, but is flawed. The road above the underpass is poorly constructed and causes rain water to leak in. Waterlogging is also common.
Ramesh S, a dentist who runs a clinic in Nayandanahalli, says driving through the underpass is not a pleasant experience. "There is a lot of slow-moving traffic because of the rains and on top of that, dirty water starts leaking from above," he said.
He drives a car, but still finds it inconvenient to navigate the stretch. "The clogged water is almost knee-deep and the vehicle sometimes develops problems because of this," he said.
Pankaj S, who works with Oracle, rides a two-wheeler and says it is risky to take the underpass. "Two days ago, when I was passing by, there was knee-deep water and I lost balance and fell into the dirty slush."
The driver in the car behind him did not notice the fall, as visibility was poor. "I got up just in time, or I would have been run over," said Pankaj.
Urvashi, a mother who takes this underpass every day to drop her child to school, says potholes add to the problem.
"They are filled with mud. So one is likely to skid in the underpass," she said.
When it rains at night, the clogged water stays till the morning. "I ride my scooter very slowly because I can't see the potholes and must take care that my daughter does not get hurt," she said.
BDA Executive Engineer Chennappa promised to take up repairs as soon as the rains stop. "We have already written to the contractors," he said.