Unsafe Roads Lead to Another Close Call

The school children in Bengaluru tilts incident became a harsh reality on the morning of September 12, when a school bus carrying nearly 20 children tilted dangerously after one of its wheels got stuck in a hidden pothole on the waterlogged Balagere–Panathur Road. The incident, though it ended without injuries, triggered widespread concern among parents and local residents over the condition of civic infrastructure.

The children, all on their way to school, had to be evacuated quickly through the emergency exit of the bus after it began to tilt. With the road muddy and waterlogged from overnight rains, they were stranded on the roadside until help arrived. Traffic police, a passing bus driver, and bystanders stepped in to rescue the school children and help transport them to safety.

This event has once again highlighted how school children in Bengaluru tilts stories are becoming disturbingly frequent in areas with neglected infrastructure

Civic Inaction Continues as Road Conditions Worsen

Locals in the area have long been frustrated with the deteriorating condition of Balagere Panathur Road. Despite repeated complaints about deep potholes, poor drainage, and incomplete civic works, there has been little action. Residents say the same stretch becomes dangerous every time it rains.

“The pothole that caused the tilt was hidden under rainwater. It’s impossible to tell how deep it is. Every monsoon, this road becomes a risk to anyone using it,” said a local resident. Several four-wheelers and two-wheelers have reportedly skidded or broken down here in recent weeks due to similar conditions.

The partially dug-up drains along the road are also adding to the danger. With no proper outflow for rainwater, the road gets waterlogged easily. What appears to be a shallow puddle may in fact be a deep trench  a hazard that led to the near-accident involving the school bus.

Sudden Traffic Changes Add to the Chaos

Residents also reported that just two days before the incident, the road was abruptly made one-way by local authorities without any clear communication. This created confusion for regular commuters and school transport operators. The bus driver on September 12 assumed it was just another water-filled patch on the road unaware that a deep hole lay beneath.

This unexpected road change, paired with unmarked hazards and poor visibility due to flooding, has made commuting risky  especially for buses carrying school children in Bengaluru tilts toward unsafe routes. Local groups like Namma Balagere noted that repair work had started days earlier, but it has been slow and poorly executed.

Parents and Schools Raise Urgent Safety Concerns

Following the incident, concerned parents contacted school authorities to escalate the matter. Many urged schools to press civic agencies for immediate repairs. Their message is clear: children’s safety cannot wait.

The school children in Bengaluru tilts case is not an isolated one. Parents have raised repeated concerns over unsafe school bus routes, poor road signage, and waterlogging. Several local communities have submitted petitions and photographic evidence of the road’s poor condition to officials, but little has improved.

Public Outcry Grows, But Will It Lead to Real Change?

For those living and commuting along Balagere–Panathur Road, this near-tragic incident is another example of long-standing neglect. Despite past visits from senior officials, including the Chief Minister earlier this year, no lasting repairs have been implemented.

Residents say that civic officials often dismiss feedback or community concerns, claiming that the necessary work is already in progress. However, the current conditions paint a different picture  one of apathy, delays, and poor planning. Also Read: Bus carrying children tilts on Balagere-Panathur road in Bengaluru due to potholes, water-logging; no injuries reported. Also Read : Bus carrying children tilts on Balagere-Panathur road in Bengaluru due to potholes, water-logging; no injuries reported

Conclusion

The school children in Bengaluru tilts incident may not have led to physical injuries, but it has shaken the confidence of parents and residents alike. With growing public frustration and mounting safety risks, authorities can no longer afford to ignore the urgent need for road repairs and better planning.