After CEO Relocation Post, Siddaramaiah Sets 1-Month Deadline To Fix Potholes

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has voiced significant concern regarding Bengaluru's deteriorating road conditions and ineffective traffic management, issuing a one-month ultimatum to officials to rectify these issues.

This directive follows recent comments from Biocon's Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who called for "emergency measures" to address Bengaluru's civic problems after a trucking company CEO announced intentions to relocate from the Outer Ring Road area of India's technology hub.

"(Bellandur) has been our "office + home" for the last 9 years. But it's now very-very hard to continue here. We have decided to move out," stated Rajesh Yabaji, BlackBuck's CEO and co-founder, on social platform X, citing "roads full of potholes and dust" as the primary reason.

Yabaji's announcement prompted substantial public reaction, with numerous Bengaluru residents concurring that infrastructure problems like road deterioration and traffic congestion require immediate attention.

During today's meeting, the Chief Minister reprimanded officials, demanding explanations for the continued suffering of citizens due to pothole-filled roads and questioning why urgent remedial actions were not being implemented.

All ward engineers and chief engineers have received a one-month deadline to make roads usable by filling potholes, with warnings that inaction will result in severe disciplinary consequences.

The Chief Minister emphasized that contractors must deliver scientifically sound, high-quality work without compromising standards.

Siddaramaiah questioned the failure to complete roadworks ahead of monsoon season and instructed the newly appointed Greater Bengaluru Authority Commissioner, M Maheshwar Rao, to conduct frequent field inspections.

Previously under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's management, Bengaluru's civic infrastructure now falls under the jurisdiction of the newly established Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Citizens have been highlighting road infrastructure problems through demonstrations and social media campaigns.

The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction regarding poor inter-agency coordination on these issues and urged enhanced collaboration.

Officials received assurance that if funding shortages exist, the Finance Department will prioritize releasing necessary funds. A progress assessment will be conducted after one month.

Across Bengaluru's main zones—East, West, North, South, and Central—14,795 potholes have been identified. While 6,749 have been repaired, 8,046 remain unfixed. All must be addressed by October's end.

Road Works in Progress

Siddaramaiah reported that 108 km of road white-topping and 401 km of asphalting have been completed.

Development work is currently being executed on 584.60 km of city roads.

Budget Allocation

Rs 18 crore was designated in the 2025-26 budget for arterial and sub-arterial road pothole repairs, while Rs 25 crore was distributed to all city corporations for emergency maintenance.

Future Road Development

To ensure efficient traffic movement, a technical coordination officer will be appointed to oversee inter-agency efforts.

Major junctions including Iblur, Agara, Veerannapalya, Nagawara, and Hebbal—damaged due to water supply and metro construction—will be upgraded under the Rs 400 crore Outer Ring Road Development Project.