Road development works across Bengaluru have been severely impacted, with nearly 80 per cent of tarring activity coming to a halt due to a shortage of bitumen, a key material used in road construction.

Supply disruption hits major projects

Contractors across the city have reported that the shortage, linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, has disrupted supply chains, leaving multiple infrastructure projects in limbo.

The affected works fall under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), where road development projects worth several hundred crores are currently underway.

₹5,200 crore plan faces delays

Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had announced that roadworks worth ₹5,200 crore would be completed before the onset of the monsoon. However, the ongoing shortage now threatens to derail timelines, raising concerns about incomplete projects ahead of the rainy season.

Contractors say the situation has created uncertainty, with work either slowed down significantly or stopped entirely in many areas.

Contractors raise concerns

G M Nanda Kumar, president of the contractors’ association working with the civic body, indicated that the shortage could be due to supply constraints or possible artificial scarcity in the market.

The lack of clarity over availability and pricing has further complicated project execution, with contractors struggling to procure sufficient quantities of bitumen.

Impact on city infrastructure

The halt in road tarring work could have significant consequences for Bengaluru’s already strained infrastructure, especially with the monsoon approaching. Incomplete or poorly maintained roads may worsen commuting conditions and increase the risk of damage during heavy rains.

Uncertain outlook ahead

With supply disruptions continuing, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to stabilise the availability of bitumen and ensure that critical infrastructure projects resume without further delay.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Bengaluru can meet its road development targets before the monsoon sets in.