Bengaluru: News9’s relentless coverage has finally forced authorities into action. Repair and drain clearance work has begun on the Panathur–Belagere main road in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura constituency. The move comes after a shocking incident last week when a private school bus slipped into a rainwater-filled pothole and toppled.
News9 Impact
More than 20 children had a narrow escape as school staff and locals managed to evacuate them through the emergency exit. The accident highlighted the dangers of the road, long neglected by civic authorities. Now, concreting work and drain clearance are underway.
The neglected stretch
For years, residents have complained that the Panathur–Balagere stretch had become impassable — potholes turning into death traps during rains, dust storms in dry weather, and unsafe conditions for both pedestrians and vehicles. They also allege that land grabbers encroached upon stormwater drains, worsening flooding and road damage.
Public anger over ‘Brand Bengaluru’
The bus accident has intensified anger against the state government’s ‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative, which promised a modern, livable city. Locals say that while the scheme projects a grand vision, the reality is unsafe roads and ignored complaints. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) acted only after the scare, exposing a reactive rather than preventive approach.
Opposition turns up the heat
Opposition leader R. Ashok attacked Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, saying: “Swami, look at the condition of your Brand Bengaluru. Workers leave on two-wheelers each day fearing for their lives. Now, even schoolchildren must risk unsafe journeys. A bus has fallen into a pothole near Panathur–Balagere. Luckily, 20 children survived. At least now, wake up and act.”
Civic pressure continues
Parents and civic groups insist that temporary repairs are not enough. They are demanding lasting solutions, regular monitoring, and accountability for lapses. Activists say this is only the beginning, and the pressure will continue until Bengaluru’s roads are genuinely safe.