"Paying Attention": DK Shivakumar As Bengaluru Fills Potholes After NDTV Report

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has shared videos documenting road reconstruction efforts across the city.

Bengaluru:

Following NDTV's recent report highlighting Bengaluru's deteriorating road conditions, the Karnataka government has initiated pothole filling operations, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stating they are "paying attention" to the issue. Mr. Shivakumar posted images of the ongoing roadwork on social media.

"Our government is paying attention to the concerns of Bengalureans. Potholes across the city are being filled and roads resurfaced to provide smoother and safer journeys for everyone," he announced in a post on X.

Our government is paying attention to the concerns of Bengalureans. Potholes across the city are being filled and roads resurfaced to provide smoother and safer journeys for everyone. pic.twitter.com/7NaOYBZVNS

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) September 21, 2025

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) also shared footage of road reconstruction, noting that engineers have been directed to "complete the work on priority".

Pothole Filling & Bad Reaches Attended 🛣️In Bengaluru South, potholes and bad reaches on major roads are being attended today to improve road safety and ensure smooth traffic movement. Engineers have been instructed to complete the works on priority. ✅ pic.twitter.com/6YRqhLUrWY

— Greater Bengaluru Authority (@GBA_office) September 21, 2025

Bengaluru has been struggling with infrastructure issues, potholes, and severe traffic congestion, particularly after heavy rainfall and flooding. Earlier this week, a viral video exposed the poor condition of roads and footpaths outside Google's Bengaluru office, with residents highlighting large craters on service roads, encroached footpaths, and unsafe pedestrian spaces. "Let's see what it takes to walk outside Google Bengaluru. One word: unsafe. What should be the pride of Bengaluru is getting the least attention from GBA. The further you go, the worse it gets. We urge urgent action to restore safe, walkable footpaths here," stated the video caption.

In another concerning incident, a school bus carrying children nearly overturned after sliding into mud on a chronically deteriorated, pothole-filled road. A week later, another school bus became trapped when one of its wheels sank into an unfinished stormwater drain, while a school van got stuck in an open drainage channel.

Citizens across Bengaluru have organized protests to highlight the crumbling infrastructure. During these demonstrations, locals displayed placards reading 'save Bengaluru roads' and 'fix roads'. On Saturday, protesters clashed with police when officers demanded they disperse due to lack of proper authorization. The confrontation escalated into an argument, with police threatening arrests if the protest continued.

Mr. Shivakumar previously claimed that potholes are "not created" but develop due to "natural causes" and heavy rainfall.

"We are here to sort out the problem. The BJP is doing politics, let them do whatever they want. Potholes are caused by nature, no one wants to create them. The increase in vehicles, heavy traffic, and excessive rain in Bengaluru has led to potholes. We have already filled more than 7,000 potholes, and there are still over 5,000 left on Bengaluru's roads. We have asked the Police Commissioner to submit a report on the condition of potholes," he explained.

Karnataka Chief Minister's deadline

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conducted a high-level meeting on Saturday to address Bengaluru's road improvements and traffic management challenges. During the session, he imposed a one-month deadline for civic agency officials to repair all roads throughout the city.

Bengaluru | CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar held a high-level meeting of officials at the CM's residence, Kaveri, on Saturday night to discuss the improvement of Bengaluru roads and smooth traffic management. Ministers KJ George, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Chief Secretary Dr… pic.twitter.com/FBHh6xx1VZ

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025

The Chief Minister warned that chief engineers would be held responsible if the deadline was not met, and cautioned against compromising on work quality.

"I will hold two meetings in the next month. I will take strict action if any shortcoming is found," he declared.