Civic Work Cuts Tannery Road Width by Half, Trapping Buses in Slush

Ongoing sewage and utility pipe laying alongside metro-related construction has halved the usable width of Tannery Road, a crucial arterial route linking northeastern parts of the city with Central Bengaluru. The dug-up stretches turned into deep slush following recent rains, trapping several vehicles and severely slowing traffic.

Four private buses, a few school buses, and multiple Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses got stuck in the mud on the dug-up corridor, leading to significant delays for daily commuters.

Local residents and activists noted that commuting conditions deteriorate sharply whenever it rains. Social activist Maria Hussain stated that the dug-up stretches become hazardous, particularly for two-wheeler riders, while resident Shashavali Khan highlighted that traffic snarls have become routine. Workers laying pipes have deployed wet mix on the surface to keep vehicles from getting stuck.

Multiple civic works are underway simultaneously along the stretch, including pipe installation and station improvement works for two upcoming metro stations. Resident Zafar Sait noted that recent showers have caused dug-up trenches to cave in, while dry periods near the Venkateshpura bus stop create heavy dust clouds when buses pass. Commuters have also reported a water leak gushing onto the middle of the road.

Addressing the delays, Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) Chief Engineer Madesh confirmed that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is currently carrying out the pipe-laying work. B-SMILE held a meeting with BWSSB engineers urging them to expedite the project. While a section of Tannery Road has already undergone white-topping, the remaining stretch will be paved once the utility pipe work is completed.