Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Issues 30-Day Ultimatum to Fix Bengaluru's Pothole Crisis Amid Growing Public Outrage

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a firm 30-day deadline to officials for making all Bengaluru roads motorable and filling potholes throughout the city.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Commissioners and Chief Engineers of the five city corporations will bear responsibility for any failures to meet this directive.

On Saturday, Siddaramaiah personally conducted a "city rounds" inspection to assess road conditions and monitor ongoing pothole repair work across Bengaluru.

"I have provided clear instructions regarding pothole filling and maintaining quality standards in the work," stated Siddaramaiah. He revealed that he had already suspended an assistant executive engineer who improperly filled a pothole with gravel without applying tar or wet mix.

The Chief Minister noted that contractors are responsible for maintaining roads undergoing white topping. "White topping is currently being implemented on Hennur road at a cost of Rs 13 crore per kilometer, covering a 5 km stretch," he explained.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah reiterated the 30-day timeframe to make all roads motorable and eliminate potholes throughout the city.

"The increased rainfall has caused numerous potholes. These should have been addressed earlier but weren't. I have now directed that all potholes be filled within one month," the Chief Minister stated.

When questioned about accountability for the pothole problem, Siddaramaiah explained, "Potholes emerge annually due to monsoon rains. With the recent formation of five Corporations in Bengaluru, the Commissioners and Chief Engineers will be held accountable."

The Karnataka government has faced significant criticism regarding the poor condition of Bengaluru's roads. Several prominent figures, including former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, recently urged immediate government intervention.

Public outrage intensified after online trucking platform BlackBuck announced plans to relocate from its Bellandur location on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road, specifically citing commuting difficulties and inadequate road infrastructure.

Addressing the pothole situation, the Chief Minister acknowledged the problem while noting, "I don't intend to blame the BJP, but they failed to address potholes during their administration. Had they done so, this situation would not exist. They didn't allocate funds for road maintenance. Regardless, we're now in power and will ensure all potholes are filled."

When asked about garbage issues observed during his city inspection, Siddaramaiah stated, "I've ordered its removal. If it remains and I notice it again, action will be taken against the city corporation Commissioners."

Responding to Bengaluru South BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's reported call for citizens to boycott the Social and Educational Survey (commonly called the "caste census") over data security concerns, Siddaramaiah affirmed, "Some individuals approached the courts, but we will conduct the survey according to court directives. Ten lakh people have already participated."

The Karnataka High Court recently declined to halt the survey but instructed the State Backward Classes Commission to maintain data confidentiality and ensure voluntary citizen participation.