Karnataka CM Orders Immediate Pothole Repairs and Announces Major Road Infrastructure Projects in Bengaluru

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a directive on Tuesday for officials to repair all potholes in Bengaluru within a week, following his previous order last month that established October 31 as the deadline for completing repairs throughout the city's five corporation zones.

The CM made this announcement after inaugurating comprehensive road development projects, including white topping, in the Gandhinagar Assembly constituency.

"I have spoken with officials, including Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao and Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath. All potholes must be filled within a week," Siddaramaiah stated.

During his address to the gathering, he explained, "The heavy rainfall has caused delays in pothole repairs. This year has seen significantly more rain." He highlighted that white-topping work is progressing in various parts of the city and would help resolve the pothole issue since white-topped roads can last between 25 and 30 years.

"We will address the pothole problem and implement white topping on city roads," he added.

Siddaramaiah also mentioned that he is providing development funds to all MLAs, having allocated Rs 8,000 crore in the budget for this purpose.

"Funding is being distributed to both urban and rural MLAs, including opposition MLAs, because our goal is comprehensive development," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru development, reported that more than 10,000 potholes have been repaired so far.

"We have already filled over 10,000 potholes. The previous Bommai administration had submitted an affidavit to the court identifying approximately 20,000 potholes across the city. We have enabled the public and traffic police to identify and report potholes. Our approach is transparent," he said.

Shivakumar revealed that a detailed project report is being developed for white topping 500 km of roads in the city at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore.

"White-topped roads have a lifespan of 25-30 years. We have already initiated white topping for 148 km of roads and are investing Rs 1,800 crore to white top 83 roads. Black topping is underway on 350 km covering 182 roads at a cost of Rs 695 crore. The CM has provided a grant of Rs 1,100 crore, and we are asphalting 550 km of roads," he elaborated.

He also criticized the central government and BJP MPs for "not cooperating in Bengaluru's development efforts."