Allottees flag design gaps in Bengaluru’s Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, demand basic amenities | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Even as Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has accelerated work at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL), located between Mysuru Road and Magadi Road, allottees in the III and IV Blocks have flagged several “critical bottlenecks” in recent months that could hamper habitation if they are not addressed immediately.While welcoming the improved pace of land acquisition and development under the current administration, the allottees said the layout is far from liveable. With several houses already built and many more at various stages of construction, the lack of basic infrastructure and design clarity has emerged as a major problem.

One of the concerns is that footpaths are missing across the layout, and allottees have warned that poor walkability will only worsen traffic and pollution. In a representation submitted during a review meeting on Dec 24, the allottees urged BDA to revisit the design and involve mobility experts to ensure the layout does not repeat mistakes seen elsewhere in the city. A key 60ft road linking III Block A Sector to the 300ft major arterial road remains incomplete. Another road running through a buffer zone near a stormwater drain has allegedly been encroached upon, affecting the movement of construction material. The allottees also raised alarm over boundary demarcation errors, claiming that misaligned markings have led to structures spilling into neighbouring plots, potentially triggering legal disputes in future. The absence of electricity, water, and sanitary connections has discouraged early settlement, while the rising theft of electrical and construction material has highlighted the need for streetlights and temporary police outposts. Madhu Sudhan V, executive committee member for allottees at NPKL III Block, said: “The BDA, meant to develop residential layouts with basic infrastructure, has failed on fundamental aspects because of flawed planning by the earlier team. There are no proper footpaths, and utility ducts are being passed off as footpaths, which is unacceptable. If duct slabs are removed for maintenance, there will be no safe space for pedestrians. The plantation plan is also unworkable, and concerns raised in the review meeting with officials appear to have been addressed only through patchwork solutions. We plan to inspect the layout with mobility experts, as the lack of footpaths forces people to use vehicles even for short distances, worsening traffic and pollution.”Yathish Chandra, a techie who has bought a plot in IV Block, said: “One major concern is the delay in land acquisition, which stalled engineering works and left contractors unable to function effectively. Transformers placed close to houses are another safety worry. Compared with other upcoming BDA layouts that have well-planned footpaths, plantations, and streetlights on both sides of the road, the difference is stark. Since NPKL is still developing, the design can and should be corrected now. Otherwise, residents will be forced to live with these flaws in the future.”Will solve issues soon: BDA NA Haris, BDA chairman, said: “At NPKL, the progress is very good, with around 78% of the work completed and the remaining 22% expected to be finished in the next 5-6 months. There are a few minor technical issues, such as sanitary pipeline work, but overall, the development is progressing smoothly with no major issues. Other issues people raised will also be addressed.”