Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has called for a comprehensive white paper on road infrastructure expenditure in Bengaluru, questioning how the city continues to struggle with pothole-ridden roads despite more than ₹5,500 crore being allocated or spent on road works since 2023.
His remarks come days after the Karnataka government announced a fresh ₹2,000-crore package aimed at repairing and upgrading roads across the city.
‘Pothole city’ despite massive spending
A day after meeting Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Surya criticised the state government for repeatedly announcing new infrastructure projects without addressing the underlying causes of poor road quality.
In a letter submitted to the minister, the MP said Bengaluru, widely recognised as India’s technology capital, has also gained an unfortunate reputation as a “pothole city”.
According to Surya, successive allocations for road repairs, resurfacing and pothole-filling initiatives have failed to deliver lasting improvements for taxpayers.
Calls for transparency and accountability
Surya argued that Bengaluru’s recurring pothole problem is not caused by a lack of funding but by inadequate transparency, monitoring and accountability.
“The system will not change by penalising one or two officials or engineers. The need of the hour is systemic and institutional reform,” he said.
The MP also referred to an October 2025 announcement by Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, who had promised a pothole-free Bengaluru within a stipulated timeframe.
With that deadline having passed, Surya said the latest eight-month target announced by Krishna Byre Gowda, coupled with another ₹2,000-crore allocation, has raised fresh concerns among citizens.
“The city does not require additional allocations, but transparency and impact analysis,” he said.
Demand for public dashboard
One of Surya’s key proposals is the creation of a publicly accessible dashboard detailing road-related expenditure across Bengaluru.
He suggested that the platform should provide:
- Road-wise expenditure details
- Contractor information
- Project timelines
- Payments released
- Defect liability periods
- Progress of repair and resurfacing works
The MP said such a system would enable citizens to monitor projects and improve accountability.
Better coordination among agencies
Surya also highlighted the need for stronger coordination among the multiple agencies executing infrastructure projects across Bengaluru.
He urged authorities to strengthen the role of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) to improve planning and reduce duplication of work.
15-point agenda for Bengaluru
Along with his demand for greater transparency, Surya submitted a 15-point agenda focused on improving infrastructure, mobility, housing and public services in the city.
Metro and public transport
The MP called for:
- Faster completion of delayed metro projects
- Reduced travel times
- Increased use of public transport
- Reduced dependence on private vehicles
Piped natural gas
He urged the government to implement piped natural gas (PNG) connectivity across Bengaluru on a mission mode.
Waste management
Surya recommended:
- Establishment of a biogas plant at KCDC, Bommanahalli
- Review of the ₹39,000-crore garbage management contract
- Long-term solutions to the city’s waste management challenges
Affordable housing
The MP proposed expanding affordable rental housing for lower and middle-income families through support from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Flood resilience and water security
He also called for:
- Reform of stormwater drains
- Lake rejuvenation projects
- A long-term water security strategy
- Measures to prevent recurring urban flooding
Strengthening BMTC
Surya suggested doubling the fleet strength of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which currently operates around 7,000 buses, while accelerating the operationalisation of BMLTA.
Offers support for development initiatives
Despite his criticism of road infrastructure management, Surya said he would support initiatives that genuinely improve Bengaluru’s quality of life.
“I told Krishna Byre Gowda that if the government takes any step that genuinely benefits Bengaluru and improves the quality of life of its citizens, then, as a citizen of Bengaluru and a Member of Parliament representing the city, I will extend full support and coordinate with the Centre for Bengaluru’s development,” he said.
The debate over Bengaluru’s roads comes at a time when the city continues to face growing concerns over infrastructure quality, traffic congestion and civic accountability, even as fresh investments are announced for urban development.