DK Shivakumar says potholes exist even in Delhi, defends Bengaluru roads

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has defended the state government’s efforts to address Bengaluru’s pothole crisis, stressing that the problem exists across India, including in front of the Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi. His remarks come amid growing criticism from industry leaders and residents over the city’s deteriorating road conditions.

Government filling 1,000 potholes a day

Speaking to the media on Monday, Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru development portfolio, said the government is working “overtime” despite the rains.

“We are filling all potholes. Two hundred potholes are being filled in every corporation area daily. About 1,000 potholes are being filled in a day in Bengaluru,” he said.

He argued that potholes are not unique to Bengaluru and cited examples from the national capital.

“I went to Delhi. I saw potholes there. I urge your reporters to see how many potholes exist in Delhi, even in front of the Prime Minister’s house. Big IT companies should understand that this is a nationwide issue,” Shivakumar said.

BJP blamed for legacy issues

Shivakumar further alleged that the problem was inherited from the previous BJP government, which he said had failed to maintain roads properly.

“If BJP had maintained the roads well, this wouldn’t have happened. They didn’t. Let it be, we will do our work,” he added.

India Inc voices concerns

The issue of potholes and traffic congestion gained national headlines after Rajesh Yabaji, CEO of logistics firm BlackBuck, announced that his company would be shifting out of Bellandur, its office location for nine years.

In a post on X, Yabaji cited long commutes, pothole-ridden roads, and dust as major concerns:

“Average commute for my colleagues shot up to 1.5+ hrs (one way). Roads full of potholes and dust, coupled with the lowest intent to get them rectified. Didn’t see any of this changing in the next five years,” he wrote.

His post resonated with many on social media, who shared similar frustrations. However, Yabaji later clarified that BlackBuck was not moving out of Bengaluru altogether but relocating within the city.

State’s response to India Inc

NDTV had earlier spoken to Shivakumar about industry leaders’ concerns. The Deputy CM maintained that the government is committed to resolving Bengaluru’s infrastructure problems but emphasised that companies ultimately decide their own course.

“We are working to address the issue. But no one can stop any company from moving. Still, no one can match Bengaluru and the infrastructure we provide. Before they came to Bengaluru, they saw what it offers and then made a decision,” Shivakumar said.

Conclusion

While the Karnataka government claims to be repairing over 1,000 potholes daily, the backlash from industry leaders highlights growing anxiety over Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges. As India’s IT capital, the city’s ability to sustain its global reputation depends heavily on whether the government can deliver long-term solutions beyond short-term fixes.