Loose soil spread across the Kalyan Nagar flyover on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road has created a serious skidding hazard for two-wheeler riders, with a road user reporting multiple accidents and calling for urgent cleaning of the elevated carriageway.
The soil has reportedly accumulated along both sides of the flyover and extends between five and eight feet into the carriageway from the left-side divider, according to a complaint raised by road user Shree Ram Bishnoi. He said the material had reduced tyre grip, particularly when riders brake, change lanes or negotiate turns.
Bishnoi claimed that three to four two-wheelers had already skidded and been involved in accidents at the location. An Activa rider reportedly fell on Monday afternoon, although she escaped serious injury because no heavy vehicle or government bus was immediately behind her, the complaint stated. The report raised concerns that a similar incident involving a bus, truck or other heavy vehicle could have more severe consequences.
Traffic and road expert Prof M N Shreehari told Bangalore Mirror that soil accumulation on elevated roads can result from unattended construction debris, mud and loose soil from nearby road and Metro works, or illegal dumping. Vehicle tyres and strong winds can further spread the material across the carriageway, he said.
The problem can become more dangerous during the monsoon. Shreehari said fine dust, sand and litter may be washed into scupper drains on elevated corridors during heavy rain. If the drains become clogged, water can stagnate and leave a layer of loose silt on the road surface as it dries. Wet mud can make the flyover slippery, while dried soil can reduce tyre grip and increase the likelihood of skidding.
The complaint also warned that accumulated soil could block drainage openings, causing waterlogging and worsening traffic congestion. A recent episode on the Electronic City elevated flyover saw heavy rain and clogged rainwater outlets disrupt morning traffic, resulting in a traffic jam of nearly 7 km. Fire tenders and pumps were deployed to clear the water and restore movement. Police officials had attributed that incident to heavy rainfall, clogged drainage outlets and uneven road surfaces, with garbage, debris and silt restricting the flow of rainwater.
Similar concerns involving mud, plastic waste and silt have been reported on flyovers along the Outer Ring Road, Hebbal, Electronic City, BGS and Richmond Road, according to the report. Urban strategist Vinod Jacob said public assets worth crores were being poorly maintained despite substantial expenditure and called for regular inspections, cleaning and desilting before the monsoon.
Shreehari said contractors should be made responsible for removing construction material and debris after work is completed, with debris removal and site restoration included in project planning from the beginning. Bishnoi’s complaint urged the relevant civic and road-maintenance agencies to inspect the Kalyan Nagar stretch and remove the accumulated soil. He also noted that road cleaning did not fall directly under the Traffic Police.
