Bengaluru: A damaged portion of a concrete bridge on Tumakuru Road near Sandal Soap Factory Metro station has raised safety concerns among commuters using the busy Nelamangala-Majestic service road that runs beneath it.A visit to the spot revealed visible signs of deterioration along sections of the bridge’s side structure, with concrete chipping away in several places. Portions of the structure appear weathered and weakened, raising concerns about the safety of motorists.The bridge carries traffic on Tumakuru Road, while hundreds of vehicles use the parallel service road underneath every day. With the monsoon season underway, commuters fear loose concrete fragments could detach and fall onto passing vehicles if immediate repairs are not undertaken.Motorists who regularly use the stretch said the condition of the bridge has worsened over time and called for an urgent inspection by the authorities.A commuter who raised the issue through the Sahaaya app said no action has been taken so far. The stretch falls under the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru West City Corporation. “As a daily commuter, this is a serious safety hazard. If chunks of concrete fall, they could severely injure road users. This is a busy corridor with a high volume of vehicles throughout the day. The authorities must address the issue before an accident occurs,” the commuter told TOI.The visible deterioration has also raised questions about when the bridge was last inspected and whether a structural audit has been conducted in recent years. Commuters pointed out that maintenance of ageing infrastructure is often taken up only after damage becomes severe, increasing the risk to public.The concern comes at a time when Bengaluru has witnessed several rain-related incidents, including wall collapses that have resulted in fatalities.BWCC officials were unavailable for comments despite repeated attempts by TOI.
