Looking at the damaged main road Thanorisandra, leading to the International KEVEGOWDA Airport in Bengalur. | Photo Credit: Allen Egenus J.
The garbage has accumulated on the main road Thanisandra, which led to the International Airport KemeGowda in Bengalur. | Photo Credit: Allen Egenus J.
The Hennur – Bagalur section, widely known as the “alternative route” to the International KEVEGOWDA (KIA) Airport, has become a nightmare for motorists.
Regular commuting complained that the road was full of deep potholes and uneven surfaces, making it almost impossible to pass smoothly.
Although it is a key way for the people of Bengalur, the section has remained neglected for years. The commuters claimed that if it were correctly repaired, the road could serve as the main road to the airport by reducing the travel time, fuel consumption and overloading to the main highway leading to the airport.
The locals said that the situation has deteriorated in recent months, especially around the intersection of Hennur, Kothanur, K. Narayanapura, Mittaganahalli’s intersection and a Bagaluch crossroads dotted with large craters.
Poor maintenance and repeated patchwork
The inhabitants stated that the Public Work Department (PWD), which is responsible for maintaining this section, failed to make permanent repairs. Arjun V., Hennur’s resident, said, “The alternative way to the airport is in a sloping form. Big potholes are scattered at several intersections. Every time PWD is trying to repair, only a few days lasts.
Ravindra Kamath, an airport employee who often travels on this route, said that the condition of the road was poorly reflected in the image of Bengalur. “This road has been in a terrible condition for almost a year. When it rains, potholes will turn puddles, forcing all vehicles to move in one lane. It is shameful that the international airport is connected in such a damaged way. The parties are covered with muddy and waste, forcing motorists to move to the center.
He added that the poor condition of the road is a serious security risk, especially for two -round and night passengers. “We see accidents almost every day. The government should take steps before any undesirable incidents occur,” added Mr. Kamath.
The bad condition of the road also influenced cabin and taxi drivers who regularly use this route to transport passengers at the airport. Many of them report damage to the vehicle and higher maintenance costs due to a rough surface.
The street headlights were not properly illuminated, which caused the travel at night to be dangerous. Nagaraju HS, a taxi driver, said: “This road is not just battered, but also poorly lit. After dark, many drivers avoid it completely. Recently my car hit Pothol, which I have not seen in the dark, and it misinterpreted my bumper.
Association of travel operators raises concern
The Association of State Operators of Travel Operators Karnataka (Ksto) also expressed its concern about the connectivity of airports. The Association urged the development of alternative ways of international standards to satisfy the growing demand of domestic and international passengers.
President Ksto Radhakrishn Holl said that the Hennur – Bagalur section has the potential to serve as a parallel airport route if properly developed. “Improving this road will significantly make pressure on the main airport highway and help manage the growing traffic load. We urged the authorities to prefer it,” he added.
Meanwhile, a senior officer of Greater Bengalurur Authority (GBA) assured that the civic authority took note of the complaints and that the necessary measures would soon be initiated. “We will coordinate with engineers from the appropriate zone and check damage. After completing the evaluation we will prefer repairs so that the road can be again,” the clerk said.
Published – October 12, 2025 20:53
