Residents of Bengaluru’s Jayanagar neighborhood have taken to the streets in an unusual form of protest, marking potholes and highlighting broken infrastructure to draw attention to long-pending civic works. The agitation stems from frustration over “model road” projects that were promised two years ago by MLA CK Ramamurthy but remain incomplete, leaving dug-up streets and damaged footpaths across the area.

Frustration Over Delayed Road Projects

The promise of well-developed “model roads” had raised expectations among residents, who anticipated smoother travel and improved pedestrian pathways. However, the reality has been far from what was envisioned. Instead of progress, many stretches remain dug up, with uneven surfaces and unfinished construction creating daily challenges for commuters and pedestrians alike.

Pothole Markings as a Symbolic Protest

In response to the prolonged delays, residents have resorted to marking potholes as a symbolic gesture of dissent. These markings serve both as a form of protest and as a visual reminder of the civic issues that continue to plague the locality. By drawing public attention to the deteriorating condition of their streets, locals aim to pressure authorities into taking immediate corrective measures.

Broken Footpaths Add to Daily Struggles

Beyond potholes and dug-up roads, broken footpaths have become another pressing concern for Jayanagar’s residents. Pedestrians often find themselves navigating unsafe walkways, forcing many to step onto busy roads instead. This has raised safety concerns for senior citizens, children, and daily commuters who rely on these pathways for safe passage through the neighborhood.

Civic Body Promises Repairs

The South City Corporation has assured that funds allocated for infrastructure development will be utilized for repairs in Jayanagar. Officials have stated that necessary work will be carried out to restore damaged stretches and improve pedestrian facilities. Despite these assurances, residents remain skeptical due to repeated delays and what they describe as unresponsive behavior from officials tasked with overseeing the projects.

Residents Demand Accountability

Community members argue that accountability is lacking when it comes to following through on promises made by elected representatives. Many feel that their concerns are not being addressed with urgency, despite repeated appeals over the past two years. The visible protests reflect growing impatience among citizens who believe their voices are being ignored while essential infrastructure remains neglected.

The ongoing protests in Jayanagar highlight a broader issue faced by many urban neighborhoods—delays in civic projects that directly affect daily life. While authorities have pledged action, residents continue to push for timely completion of roadworks and better communication from officials. Until then, pothole markings stand as both a symbol of frustration and a call for accountability in one of Bengaluru’s prominent localities.