KPTCL negligence blamed as car plunges into deep pit on Bengaluru Link Road

Six-month-old unfinished power duct work turns dangerous on Seshadripuram Link Road; GST Commissioner escapes fatal injury as airbags deploy

Alleged negligence by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has led to a serious accident on Seshadripuram Link Road in Bengaluru, after a car fell into a large pit dug for ongoing electrical works.

The accident occurred in the early morning hours between 5:30 am and 7:00 am while GST Commissioner Ravindranath was driving from Basaveshwara Nagar towards the Golf Ground. At a turning point on the link road, the car reportedly plunged into a deep pit that had been dug as part of duct construction work for power cable installation.

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Sources said the work has been underway for the past six months, but remains incomplete. Despite the road being used by thousands of vehicles daily, including BMTC buses and private vehicles, the pit was allegedly not properly covered or secured.

The impact of the crash was severe, but the airbags deployed immediately, saving the driver from a life-threatening situation. However, Ravindranath sustained a chest injury and was later admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

Locals and commuters have accused KPTCL of failing to implement basic safety precautions, such as barricades, warning signs or proper covering of excavation sites. They alleged that the absence of precautionary measures made the road extremely risky, especially during early morning hours when visibility is low.

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The unfinished work has also caused daily traffic disruptions on the link road, as the pit has not yet been cleared. Following the accident, traffic movement on the stretch was further affected.

It has been alleged that the accident occurred when the vehicle approached the turn at speed, as the driver was reportedly in a hurry. However, residents argue that even cautious drivers would struggle to avoid the pit due to poor safety arrangements at the work site.