The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is on a mission to give the city a vibrant facelift under the Brand Bengaluru – Vibrant Bengaluru project. From LED-lit Metro pillars and artistically landscaped medians to redeveloped junctions and decorative fountains, the goal is to elevate Bengaluru’s visual appeal and make it “world-class.”
With Rs 75 crore allocated—Rs 50 crore for aesthetic lighting and Rs 25 crore for traffic junction upgrades in the 2025-26 budget—BBMP sees this as a tourism boost and urban revival. However, critics argue that the initiative puts form over function.
Citizen groups and civic activists question the timing and focus, pointing to neglected core issues—bad roads, crumbling footpaths, potholes, flooding, and unmanaged waste. They also flag that upscale areas are prioritized, leaving peripheries and lower-income zones behind.
Footpath woes in HSR Layout and infrastructure neglect in Sarjapur, Carmelaram, and Panathur dominate local grievances. “Fix potholes before fountains,” remarked Kathyayini Chamaraj of Civic Bangalore, questioning beautification near garbage dumps. Civic expert Sandeep Anirudhan called for ward-wise repair teams and civic policing, drawing parallels with Singapore and Dubai.
Yet, not everyone disagrees. Urban designer Divya Suresh noted that well-planned LED lights and fountains can aid sustainability, control heat, and improve poorly lit roads.
BBMP Chief Tushar Girinath reassured citizens that maintenance will be handled through private contracts and that suggestions were taken from stakeholders for a long-term plan.
Read Also: