Former Aide to Karnataka CM Highlights Dangerous Road Conditions in Bengaluru Amid Public Outcry

Bengaluru has been experiencing significant infrastructure issues, including numerous potholes and severe traffic congestion.

In Bengaluru, former additional chief secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, LK Atheeq, has highlighted the dangerous and uneven condition of roads amid growing public criticism over their deteriorating state.

Atheeq shared his experience on social media platform X after taking a late-night motorcycle ride along MG Road and Brigade Road. He noted that poor-quality patchwork had rendered these streets hazardous for two-wheeler riders. He emphasized that relatively minor repairs using higher quality equipment could significantly improve road safety and smoothness.

"The city could develop a swift action plan to address these issues," he stated in his post.

Atheeq stepped down from his position as Siddaramaiah's principal aide in June, citing personal reasons. However, he continues to serve as chairperson of the Bengaluru Business Corridor and remains involved in the peripheral ring road project.

The city of Bengaluru has been struggling with deteriorating infrastructure, extensive potholes, and crippling traffic congestion, particularly following heavy rainfall and flooding this season. Earlier this month, a video went viral showing the severely damaged road and sidewalk outside Google's Bengaluru office, with residents highlighting massive craters on service roads, encroached footpaths, and lack of safe pedestrian areas. In another concerning incident, a school bus carrying children nearly overturned after sliding into mud on a chronically neglected, pothole-filled road.

Across Bengaluru, numerous residents have organized protests to draw attention to the city's failing infrastructure.

Following the public outcry, the Karnataka government initiated pothole repair work. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated they are "paying attention" to the situation and shared images of the ongoing road repairs.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also assessed the situation and issued a one-month deadline for civic agency officials to repair all roads throughout the city. He warned that chief engineers would be held responsible if this deadline was not met and cautioned against compromising on the quality of repairs.