Bengaluru: Deputy CM announces symbolic initiative to revive Kempegowda’s vision
With the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) formally replacing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), citizens are keen to know how the jurisdiction of the five newly created city corporations will be clearly defined. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has now proposed installing boundary towers to mark the limits of each corporation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the GBA headquarters on Tuesday, Shivakumar said the state government will also lay the foundation stones for new municipal offices on November 1, coinciding with Kannada Rajyotsava. “Boundary towers will be erected along the limits of all five corporations to make the divisions visible,” he said.
Officials noted that the move will help citizens identify which civic body to approach for services, complaints, or civic issues, bringing clarity to the new administrative framework.
Symbolic link to Kempegowda’s heritage
The initiative draws inspiration from Bengaluru’s founder, Kempegowda, who, more than 400 years ago, marked the city’s territorial limits by erecting four watch towers with the Dharmarayaswamy temple as the centre. These iconic towers at Lalbagh (South East), Gavipura (South West), Mehkri Circle (North West), and Ulsoor (North East) remain heritage symbols of Bengaluru.
This is not the first time the idea of boundary towers has been discussed. In 2014, the BBMP announced plans to build Kempegowda towers along 10 arterial roads, each costing around Rs 10 crore. However, the project never materialised beyond announcements. By reviving the concept, Shivakumar has sought to symbolically connect Bengaluru’s historical roots with its modern-day expansion under GBA.
Administrative restructuring under GBA
Alongside symbolic measures, Shivakumar announced significant administrative reforms. The government plans to induct 300 engineers to strengthen civic works. “We are appointing one engineer for every ward. Around 500 engineers at lower levels will ensure transparency and proper groundwork,” he said.
A proposal has also been submitted to increase the number of wards from 198 to 500, with Rs 300 crore allocated for administrative expenses, salaries, and pensions. The Deputy CM clarified that elections will first be conducted in the newly formed municipalities before any merger proposals are considered.
Debate over GBA’s name
On calls to include Kannada words in the GBA’s title, Shivakumar said the government was open to suggestions. “I would like to ask for advice on what name to give. The same situation had arisen in other places, including Mumbai. There is no question of ignoring the mother tongue, but if we find a good alternative word, let’s change it,” he said.
Citizens urged to be patient over pothole repairs
Even as structural changes take shape, road conditions remain a pressing issue for Bengalureans. GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao urged motorists to show “patience” over pothole-filled roads, attributing delays in repair works to overlapping urban challenges.
Rao dismissed concerns over the quality of bitumen used for road repairs, instead pointing to incessant rains and simultaneous works by multiple civic agencies. “In urban areas, five to six agencies often work simultaneously. On stretches where BWSSB is laying pipelines, we cannot begin road construction until their work is complete,” he explained, citing Bannerghatta Road and Silk Board Junction as examples.
He also noted that repair work requires 12–24 hours to settle, but is often disrupted as motorists start using the roads immediately, undermining its effectiveness.
Conclusion
The rollout of boundary towers and new administrative reforms under the GBA signal a major transition for Bengaluru’s governance. While the move seeks to blend heritage symbolism with practical solutions, residents remain watchful of whether these changes will translate into better civic services on the ground. For now, both citizens and officials await the first visible markers of Bengaluru’s new civic era.