The one-way stretch till Madras Sappers along Kensington Road, which connects to Ulsoor lake, will be functional on April 10. The ongoing white-topping project, which began one-and-a-half months ago, has caused significant disruptions for daily commuters and local businesses alike, forcing them to seek alternative routes and endure longer travel times while increasing traffic congestion on surrounding roads.
“The white-topping project from Old Madras Road to Vinayaka temple has been completed, and we are currently allowing it to cure, which is a crucial step. After 10 days, we will open it to motorists. Additionally, we have started work on the next stretch of the road,” said a BBMP official.
“We commenced the project in February and aim to complete the double-road white-topping by the end of May. To minimise inconvenience for residents, we reopened the road to two-wheelers after a three-day curing process. Barricades have been installed, and residents were informed about the construction in advance. The road will be functional from April 10 for commuters,” said Mohammad Azharuddin, project engineer of the company executing the work.
Commuters and residents are partially relieved. “The road connects Old Madras Road to other eastern and northern parts of the city, and commuters are being forced to take a detour through M.G. Road, which is already congested,” said Nataraj an auto driver.
Prem Kumar, a local resident, said: “The construction has disrupted our routines. We have to park our vehicles at a distance. School buses were also struggling to pick up children.”
Local businesses have also felt the brunt of the ongoing construction, “The footfall to my shop has significantly decreased. Most people who come here are only asking for directions or alternative routes,” said Venkatesh, a shop owner near Kensington Road.
Published – March 31, 2025 09:10 pm IST
