Karnataka CM Gives One-Month Deadline to Fix All Bengaluru Roads
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has set a one-month deadline for civic officials to repair all roads in Bengaluru, warning that chief engineers will be held accountable for failure. The directive comes after mounting pressure from citizens and industry leaders, including corporate CEOs, who have threatened to relocate due to the city's poor infrastructure. An amount of ₹750 crore has been allocated for the repairs, with officials tasked to fix the remaining 8,000 potholes and ensure the quality of work.
Unpacked:
Bengaluru's rapid urban growth, frequent utility works (like water and sewer line installations), and high vehicle density have repeatedly damaged roads. Past repairs have often been temporary, with poor coordination between agencies and lack of quality control, leading to recurring potholes and surface failures.
Bengaluru is a major tech and business hub, so threats by CEOs to relocate highlight substantial economic concerns. Poor infrastructure impacts productivity, employee commutes, and business operations. While relocations have not been widespread yet, continued neglect could weaken Bengaluru’s attractiveness compared to rival cities.
Chief engineers and senior civic officials have been warned they will be held personally accountable for missed deadlines. This could involve administrative action, including transfers, suspensions, or negative performance reviews, as the government seeks to ensure timely and quality completion of repairs.
The ₹750 crore allocation is substantial for short-term repairs, but Bengaluru’s long-term road infrastructure needs are much larger. Previous budgets have often fallen short or been spent inefficiently due to delays and poor planning. Sustainable improvement may require higher, consistently allocated funding and better oversight.