Bengaluru tech workers rally on weekends for better roads amid failing infrastructure

In yet another rally across Bengaluru, tech workers and residents in the eastern parts of the city are spending their weekends demanding better roads. Facing daily commutes worsened by potholes and uneven surfaces, residents are growing increasingly frustrated with poor infrastructure and stalled responses from local government, leading to renewed calls for accountability.

Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru, a residential advocacy group on X, highlighted the irony of Bengaluru’s residents who, after long work hours and enduring traffic delays, feel forced to protest. “The life of a techie in Bengaluru: work 10-12 hours, spend 4-5 hours in traffic on weekdays, and protest for non-existent roads!” the group posted, tagging Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Office of the Special Duty Officer (OSD Karnataka).

Gloomy Bengaluru!
The citizens of Chambenahalli, Sarjapur Road, have raised funds to repair the roads themselves! If we have to repair our own roads, then why are we paying more than 60% in direct and indirect taxes? The British era was better than this! 🙏@siddaramaiah… pic.twitter.com/C8RqCLeFLv

— Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) October 28, 2024

Residents of Gattahalli, Chikkanayakanahalli, and Chambenahalli face increasingly neglected roads filled with potholes. Adding to their frustrations, a recent state ban on public protests has forced citizens to find creative ways to express their concerns. In a recent post, the group shared visuals, captioned, “If we have to repair our own roads, then why are we paying more than 60% in direct and indirect taxes?”

After a previous large-scale protest failed to get results, Chambenahalli residents raised funds to patch up roads themselves, sparking more online commentary. “The British era was better than this!” one post exclaimed, reflecting the frustration many feel about the lack of public accountability. While Bengaluru is branded a tech hub, residents argue that its crumbling infrastructure tells a different story.

Protests for Roads in #Bengaluru
The life of a techie in Bengaluru: work 10-12 hours, spend 4-5 hours in traffic on weekdays, and protest for non-existent roads! Citizens of Gattahalli and Chikkanayakanahalli are protesting against substandard roads! @siddaramaiah… pic.twitter.com/YWCks9vPdt

— Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) October 26, 2024

In North Bengaluru, Babusapalya residents also joined the movement, skipping work to protest the area’s poor road conditions. Despite years of simmering discontent over these infrastructure issues, the recent wave of protests underscores the hope that intensified pressure will finally push local officials, including Anekal MLA Shivana, to take action.

For now, no formal response has come from local representatives, though residents remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to lasting improvements.