The Varthur–Gunjur stretch, considered an economic powerhouse due to its IT corridors and thriving residential hubs, has remained neglected, partly because the administrative and political power centres lie nearly 25 km away.
Impromptu protest in Varthur highlights anger over potholes, dust & traffic
Bengaluru, Sept 21: Hundreds of residents in and around Varthur staged a protest on Sunday demanding urgent repairs and resurfacing of the Varthur–Gunjur stretch, which they say has turned into a daily nightmare.
The protest in Varthur was seen as an impromptu, leaderless gathering, with no political or citizen group banner, as residents joined spontaneously to vent their pent-up anger over neglected roads.
The demonstration, which saw apartment communities, RWAs and families joining hands, comes after a series of incidents highlighting how crumbling infrastructure is endangering lives. Residents cite the recent case of an ambulance delayed on the potholed road, allegedly costing a patient’s life.
Large housing complexes like Prestige Lakeside Habitat posted photos of human chains and called for coordinated action, urging neighbours to join in.
The protest has found an echo across social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #FixVarthurRoad and #SaveBengaluruRoads trended locally, with videos showing vehicles struggling over cratered stretches and ambulances crawling through traffic.
“Our demand is very simple — fill the potholes, fix the dust, and make the road safe,” said one protester. Parents said they fear for their children’s safety on two-wheelers, while elderly residents pointed to the health impact of prolonged dust exposure.
The stretch is part of an ongoing Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) widening project, which residents say has dragged on for years with little visible progress. Police, meanwhile, have cautioned protestors against gathering outside private residences or blocking arterial roads, warning that demonstrations must be held in designated spaces such as Freedom Park.
Beyond daily inconvenience, the protest has become a flashpoint for larger concerns about Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure and uneven civic priorities. “We pay taxes, but ambulances can’t move and kids can’t cycle safely — what else should we do but protest?” one resident said.
With the protest drawing citywide attention both on the ground and online, all eyes are now on the civic agencies to act swiftly before frustration deepens further.