Residents of Ballari have raised serious safety concerns after an electric pole was left standing in the middle of a newly widened and tarred road. The incident, which occurred on the main route connecting the Kanekal bus stand to the Andral bypass, has drawn sharp criticism regarding civic planning and the accountability of project officials. Despite public funds being spent on the infrastructure upgrade, the contractor reportedly laid asphalt around the pole without coordinating its relocation, leaving a significant hazard on a busy stretch used by commuters and pedestrians.
The obstruction poses a severe risk to motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders and car drivers, who may struggle to spot the pole during nighttime or heavy rain when visibility is reduced. Local residents have questioned how such an obvious impediment was allowed to remain after the completion of the roadwork, sarcastically criticizing the utility of public expenditure that fails to address basic safety issues. The situation highlights potential lapses in coordination between the contractor, supervising officials, and the Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited (GESCOM), which maintains the utility infrastructure. Residents are now urging the district administration, elected representatives, and relevant utility authorities to intervene immediately to relocate the pole and mitigate the risk of accidents.