After CEO's Relocation Post, Karnataka Sets November Deadline To Fix Bengaluru Potholes
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has set a deadline of November for contractors to fill potholes across Bengaluru, following mounting criticism over the city's deteriorating road conditions and civic infrastructure.
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Bengaluru residents voiced widespread concerns following the announcement.
Bengaluru:
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has established a November deadline for contractors to repair all potholes throughout Bengaluru, responding to increasing criticism regarding the city's deteriorating road infrastructure. This initiative follows shortly after a viral social media post from a startup CEO, who revealed plans to relocate his company from the Outer Ring Road area due to unmanageable traffic congestion and substandard road conditions.
During his Wednesday address, Mr Shivakumar, who also serves as Bengaluru Development Minister, emphasized the government's commitment to resolving persistent civic problems. "A final deadline has been issued to contractors to fill all potholes by November to address this issue. As a clean Bengaluru and smooth traffic flow are our priorities, GBA will provide pothole relief as quickly as possible," he stated in an 'X' platform post.
Furthermore, black topping operations for 182 roads spanning 349 km have been commissioned at a cost of Rs 694 crore. Officials have received instructions to ensure that roads currently under construction remain free from water stagnation and that no potholes develop after asphalting is completed.
This commitment follows his September 14 announcement that Bengaluru would receive significant road infrastructure improvements, with Rs 1,100 crore designated for repair and construction initiatives.
That same day, Bengaluru Central City Corporation Commissioner Rajendra Cholan conducted inspections throughout the CV Raman Nagar area, identifying various problems including damaged footpaths, pothole-filled streets, uncollected waste, and ineffective solid waste management protocols.
Mr Cholan has requested a ward-specific inventory of "black spots" – locations prone to waste accumulation – be compiled.
The government's latest pledge comes amid growing dissatisfaction from the business sector. Rajesh Yabaji, CEO and co-founder of logistics startup BlackBuck, highlighted the issue earlier this week when announcing plans to relocate the company from Bellandur, its home for nine years.
"Continuing operations here has become extremely difficult. We have decided to relocate," Mr Yabaji stated on X, citing extended commute times and inadequate road maintenance as primary factors. "The average commute for my colleagues has increased to over 1.5 hours (one way). Roads are filled with potholes and dust, combined with minimal effort toward rectification. I don't anticipate any improvements in the next five years," he added.
The announcement prompted numerous responses from Bengaluru residents, many sharing similar frustrations regarding daily commuting difficulties, traffic congestion, and civic neglect.
Mohandas Pai, Aarin Capital chairman and former Infosys chief financial officer, amplified these concerns by sharing news coverage about Mr Yabaji's post. Tagging Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Mr Pai characterized Bengaluru's infrastructure situation as a "big, big failure of governance." He urged political leadership and civic authorities to take immediate action. "Companies are relocating from ORR [Outer Ring Road]. The situation appears hopeless. Please intervene," Mr Pai wrote, emphasizing industry concerns about the city's continued viability as India's premier technology hub.
Bengaluru's accelerated growth as an IT and startup center has increasingly strained its infrastructure. Previously administered by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city's civic management now falls under the newly established Greater Bengaluru Authority, tasked with addressing large-scale urban challenges.