The Hennur–Bagalur stretch, a route often considered the vital ‘alternate path’ to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has sadly transformed into a harrowing experience for motorists.
Daily commuters are vocal about the alarming state of the road, describing it as riddled with deep potholes and dangerously uneven surfaces, making smooth passage nearly impossible for any vehicle.
Despite its undeniable importance to Bengaluru residents, this critical thoroughfare has suffered from years of neglect. Many argue that if properly repaired and maintained, the Hennur-Bagalur road could significantly ease the burden on the primary airport highway, drastically cutting down travel times, fuel consumption, and chronic traffic congestion.
Local residents report a significant worsening of conditions in recent months. Key areas like Hennur junction, Kothanur, K. Narayanapura, Mittaganahalli junction, and Bagalur junction are particularly affected, often resembling lunar landscapes with their large, crater-like puddles.
A Cycle of Neglect and Flawed Fixes
Residents express profound disappointment with the Public Works Department (PWD), the agency responsible for this stretch, for its consistent failure to implement durable repair solutions. Arjun V., a frustrated Hennur resident, lamented, “The alternate road to the airport is in an utterly deplorable state. Massive potholes mar several junctions. Each time the PWD attempts a fix, the patchwork crumbles within days, unable to withstand even the slightest rain.”
Ravindra Kamath, an airport employee who frequently traverses this route, believes the road’s condition severely tarnishes Bengaluru’s international reputation. “This road has been in a terrible state for almost a year. When it rains, these potholes become hidden traps, forcing all vehicles into a single, slow-moving lane. It’s truly shameful that an international airport is connected by such a damaged road. The shoulders are choked with silt and debris, pushing motorists further into the already bad middle lanes,” he explained.
Mr. Kamath highlighted the grave safety implications, especially for two-wheelers and those traveling after dark. “We witness accidents almost daily. The government must act decisively before a major tragedy occurs,” he urged.
The abysmal road quality has also hit cab and taxi drivers hard. Relying on this route for airport runs, they frequently report vehicle damage and escalating maintenance costs due to the punishing surface.
Furthermore, poorly functioning streetlights amplify the danger at night. Nagaraju H.S., a cab driver, shared his experience: “This road is not only broken but also poorly lit. After sundown, many drivers simply avoid it. Just recently, my car struck a pothole I couldn’t see in the dark, badly damaging my bumper. It’s incredibly unsafe for everyone.”
Travel Operators Join the Call for Action
The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA) has also intensified its appeals regarding airport connectivity. The association is pressing for the development of an alternative road that meets international standards to cater to the increasing influx of domestic and international travelers.
Radhakrishna Holla, KSTOA president, emphasized the Hennur–Bagalur stretch’s immense potential as a parallel airport route, provided it receives proper infrastructure upgrades. “Improving this road would dramatically relieve pressure on the main airport highway and help manage the escalating traffic volumes. We have consistently urged authorities to prioritize its upgrade,” he stated.
In response, a senior official from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has offered assurances, confirming that the civic body is aware of the complaints and will initiate necessary measures promptly. “We will collaborate with engineers from the relevant zone to thoroughly inspect the damage. Once our assessment is complete, we will prioritize and commence the repair work to restore the road to a motorable condition,” the official pledged.