Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, has stated that repair works to address Bengaluru’s pothole problem are currently in full swing, with engineers and workers deployed across the city to ensure lasting quality. The government has promised smoother and safer roads to meet the capital city’s growing demands.
Pothole repair initiatives and funding
Shivakumar, in a post on X, said, “Pothole repair works are in full swing across Bengaluru. Our engineers and workers are on the ground every day, ensuring lasting quality in every repair. We are committed to delivering smoother and safer roads that match Bengaluru’s growing aspirations.”
He further revealed that the Chief Minister has set a strict deadline for officials to complete the repair work by October 31. To support this initiative, the state government has promised an additional Rs 750 crore grant to tackle the city’s pothole problem effectively.
Political backlash and protests
The pothole issue has sparked political controversy in Bengaluru. Earlier, on September 24, Karnataka BJP MLA K Gopalaiah and party workers staged a protest in front of Kanteerava Studios, criticising the Congress government for the state of the roads. BJP leader NL Narendra Babu described Bengaluru as a “pothole city” and questioned the administration’s accountability.
In response, DK Shivakumar blamed the previous BJP government for the current road conditions. “The BJP will never be happy. All these potholes have come under the BJP regime. They are responsible for the bad administration of the roads in Karnataka,” he told reporters in Patna.
Shivakumar also cited recent rains as a contributing factor. “The pothole problem has increased due to increased rainfall. There are potholes in all cities in the country. But only Bangalore is making news. The media is being controlled in other places. The media has been given more freedom in our state, and this problem is being widely publicised,” he added.
Tragic accident highlights road dangers
The pothole crisis has already had fatal consequences. A 22-year-old student, Tanushree, died after a tipper truck crushed her while trying to avoid a pothole near Budigere Cross on Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) Road. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Avalahalli Traffic Police Station and triggered widespread backlash against the state government.
Janata Dal Secular (JDS) strongly condemned the incident on X, claiming the student was “sacrificed for the Congress Commission,” highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the pothole issue.
Government commitment and conclusion
The Karnataka government, under the leadership of Chief Minister and Deputy CM, aims to complete the repair works by the end of October. The allocation of Rs 750 crore and deployment of engineers and workers across the city reflect an effort to restore Bengaluru’s roads to safer and more commuter-friendly conditions. However, recent accidents and public criticism underline the urgency of timely execution and long-term road maintenance strategies.