Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said that over 13,000 potholes have been filled across the state capital, with photographic and video proof maintained for each repair. He also announced a massive ₹1,100-crore plan to upgrade 550 km of major roads in the city, aiming to provide long-term relief from poor road conditions.
Over 13,000 potholes filled across Bengaluru
Addressing reporters after inspecting road repair works, Shivakumar said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier sanctioned ₹750 crore exclusively for pothole repairs. Of this, a significant portion has already been utilised to plug dangerous stretches across arterial and interior roads.
He added that evidence in the form of photographs and videos is being documented for every pothole repair carried out. The intention, according to him, is to ensure accountability and transparency in civic works that have often been criticised for lack of monitoring.
₹1,100 crore allocated for road improvements
The Deputy CM revealed that the Government has approved an additional ₹1,100 crore for ward-level road improvement works, which will be routed through legislators for execution in their constituencies. “This will help strengthen local infrastructure and address ward-specific requirements,” he explained.
The comprehensive plan also includes concretisation of major junctions on arterial roads. The works, expected to take about 26 days, will be taken up in phases. Discussions are ongoing with traffic police and civic officials to minimise disruption during the construction period.
Opposition criticism and government’s response
The state government has been facing mounting criticism from Opposition parties and residents, particularly over the deteriorating condition of roads in Bengaluru’s peripheral areas. The situation gained urgency after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent inspection of the city on September 27, following which he directed the Greater Bengaluru Authority and five city corporations to complete pothole filling within 30 days.
Responding to attacks by BJP leaders, Shivakumar argued that potholes were not unique to Karnataka. “If BJP leaders wish, they can accompany me to Delhi. I will show them potholes even near the prime minister’s residence. This is not about blaming anyone, but about recognising that the problem exists nationwide,” he said.
He also invited Opposition leaders to join a delegation to the Union Government to press for additional central funds for Bengaluru’s development.
Focus on garbage crisis
Alongside road repairs, Shivakumar addressed Bengaluru’s long-standing garbage issue. He said officials have been instructed to trace and file cases against those involved in illegal waste dumping, adding that strict enforcement was necessary to bring order to waste management in the city.
Moving towards a long-term solution
The announcements come amid growing public anger over traffic congestion, frequent accidents caused by potholes, and inefficient waste management in India’s IT capital. While the Government’s commitment of ₹1,850 crore for road repair and upgrades is a significant step, the effectiveness of the measures will depend on timely execution, quality control, and sustained monitoring.
Residents and civic experts have welcomed the allocation but stress that permanent solutions, rather than temporary fixes, are the need of the hour to ensure Bengaluru’s infrastructure matches its rapid growth and global status.