Bengaluru: Areas such as SJP Road, SP Road and NR Road, which are home to more than 12,000 business establishments, are grappling with a severe infrastructure crisis that is affecting livelihoods, Karnataka Hardware and Allied Merchants Association (Khama) said Sunday.Despite being one of the city’s highest tax-paying regions, these areas continue to lack basic amenities, leading to business losses and fears of closures. Khama, representing more than 850 members, has raised concerns over the deteriorating conditions, which persist despite repeated appeals to elected representatives and govt officials. “We have invested crores, but due to bad infrastructure, many are on the verge of closing. Lack of proper roads, parking and toilets makes it difficult to attract customers and workers, especially women,” Kiran Hebbar, secretary, Khama, said.The issue is further compounded by street vendors encroaching on walkways and selling goods at lower prices without GST, putting additional pressure on formal businesses.Flooding during the monsoon adds to the distress, with water levels reportedly rising to 2–3 feet, cutting off access to shops. “The dirty, smelly conditions in our trading area are a health hazard and business killer. Without toilets and parking facilities, traders and employees are forced to work in unacceptable conditions. We demand urgent attention to rectify this situation and restore our area to its former glory,” Ali Asgar, a hardware merchant, said.In a meeting with Anup Shetty, DCP (traffic west), Khama pressed for the construction of a multilevel parking facility at SJP Road park — a demand that has remained pending for years. The association is hopeful that authorities will act swiftly to address the civic shortcomings and help safeguard businesses that form the backbone of the city’s hardware trade.
