Bengaluru: Viral video sparks debate on construction quality
Bengaluru’s infrastructure is once again under public scrutiny after a video of rainwater gushing down the recently inaugurated Hebbal flyover went viral on social media. The clip, shared on the microblogging platform X by the page Bengaluru Post, was captioned with biting sarcasm: “Experience the new free waterfall spot at Hebbal. All are welcome.”
The video shows rainwater cascading down the flyover with considerable force following a spell of heavy downpour. While its authenticity and exact date of recording could not be independently verified, the footage has generated widespread reactions from Bengalureans, many of whom expressed frustration with the state of civic infrastructure.
Social media reacts with sarcasm
The clip quickly gained traction, with users making sarcastic remarks about the construction standards of the flyover.
One user commented: “Quality test done by Rain sir on the new ramp sir.” Another questioned: “Is this the brand-new flyover loop which has metal parts for no reason?”
Sarcasm dominated the discussion. A third user quipped, “Good idea, our DyCM will charge a fee to watch such wonders, saying he plans to make Greater Bengaluru beautiful and also bring revenue. Next rains, he will row a boat here to inaugurate the project.”
Inauguration and purpose of the flyover
The loop at Hebbal flyover, designed to ease traffic congestion for vehicles moving from K.R. Puram into the city, was inaugurated on 18 August 2025 by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The project was touted as a much-needed measure to decongest one of Bengaluru’s most clogged traffic junctions. However, within weeks of its inauguration, the structure has found itself in the spotlight for reasons that raise questions about planning and execution.
Concerns about construction quality
Although the viral video has not been officially verified, it has reignited public concern about quality control in infrastructure projects across Bengaluru. In recent years, several flyovers and underpasses in the city have faced criticism for poor design, waterlogging, and safety hazards.
Residents argue that multi-crore projects are often hurriedly inaugurated without adequate checks, only to reveal flaws during the monsoon. Critics have also accused successive governments of focusing on ribbon-cutting ceremonies rather than long-term maintenance and quality assurance.
Government yet to respond
As of now, state officials and civic agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the viral video or the condition of the Hebbal flyover loop. The incident, however, is expected to prompt opposition parties and citizen activists to demand accountability and transparency from the government on public works.
A recurring issue in Bengaluru
The city has a long history of infrastructure projects faltering during heavy rains, leading to flooding, traffic disruptions, and damage to newly built roads and flyovers. Experts note that lack of proper drainage planning and oversight during construction often contribute to such embarrassing episodes.
With Bengaluru’s population and vehicular traffic on the rise, urban planners have stressed the need for durable, sustainable infrastructure rather than quick fixes.
Conclusion
Whether the viral clip of the Hebbal flyover is confirmed or not, the episode has once again highlighted public mistrust in Bengaluru’s civic infrastructure projects. For a city grappling with rapid urbanisation, such controversies underscore the importance of quality engineering, accountability, and timely maintenance to avoid turning key projects into online memes.