A newly inaugurated flyover in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district has become the subject of widespread amusement and serious concern, after a video showing rainwater gushing from its structure like a “free car wash” went viral, just 15 days after its opening. The Kalladka flyover, built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has sparked a fresh debate on infrastructure quality and accountability in the region.
The flyover, which had been under construction for nearly eight years, was finally opened to the public on June 2, following a celebratory event. However, the initial euphoria was short-lived. The first significant rainfall in the area exposed a glaring flaw in its construction, with water pouring down from various points of the elevated structure onto the road below.
A particularly striking video, widely circulated on social media platforms, captured rainwater cascading directly onto a car parked beneath the flyover. This unusual sight quickly led to humorous, albeit critical, comments from netizens, who dubbed the situation a “free car wash service” and even jokingly suggested it as a new, cost-effective alternative to professional car cleaning. Memes and jokes about the “KNR Service Station Kalladka” flooded online platforms, highlighting the public’s dismay.
Beyond the humor, the incident has ignited serious discussions about the quality of public infrastructure projects in India. Social media users and local observers have pointed out that while the sight might be amusing, it is a stark indicator of potential construction deficiencies, inadequate drainage systems, and a lack of stringent quality control during the long construction period. Some have even raised questions about possible corruption in such projects.
The public outcry and viral nature of the videos appear to have prompted a swift response from authorities. Reports indicate that the NHAI has initiated patchwork repairs to address the leaks and prevent further embarrassment. While official sources have stated that work is underway to connect proper pipelines for water drainage, the immediate leakage raises questions about why these systems were not fully functional or adequately designed at the time of inauguration.
This incident at Kalladka comes amidst a broader concern about infrastructure quality in Karnataka, especially during the monsoon season. Bengaluru, the state capital, has frequently grappled with issues like waterlogged roads, overflowing drains, and even flyovers facing temporary closures due to heavy rain and drainage problems. Such recurring issues underscore the need for comprehensive and robust urban planning, coupled with rigorous quality checks and timely maintenance of public assets.
As repairs continue on the Kalladka flyover, the incident serves as a potent reminder of the importance of not just timely completion, but also the enduring quality and resilience of infrastructure, particularly in a country prone to heavy monsoons. The “free car wash” might be a source of temporary amusement, but the underlying issues demand serious and sustained attention from relevant authorities.