Poor road design, inadequate quality control measures and a lack of specialised engineering expertise are among the primary reasons Bengaluru continues to struggle with pothole-ridden roads, according to civil engineering experts.
The issue came into focus after Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, during his first review meeting after assuming office, questioned officials on why the city was unable to maintain pothole-free roads.
Civil engineers responded by saying that constructing durable roads was not a complex task if proper engineering standards and maintenance practices were followed consistently.
Poor drainage design blamed
Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials have often attributed potholes to rainwater stagnation and overflowing drains. However, experts argue that proper road design can prevent such issues.
Srikanth Channal of the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, Bengaluru, said city roads frequently lack adequate cambers — gentle slopes that allow rainwater to flow towards the sides instead of collecting on the surface.
“Cambers are routinely incorporated into highway design, but many urban roads do not have them. As a result, water stagnates and gradually damages the road surface,” he explained.
He also pointed out that several roads lack sufficient drainage openings, preventing water from flowing into stormwater drains efficiently.
Quality checks often overlooked
Senior engineers noted that road durability depends heavily on factors such as road thickness, aggregate quality, bitumen composition and laying temperature.
According to experts, bitumen content must meet prescribed standards and construction materials should undergo rigorous testing before roads are opened to traffic.
Officials admitted that inadequate field-level quality inspections often leave roads vulnerable to premature deterioration.
Utility works add to road damage
Engineers also highlighted frequent road excavation by agencies such as Bescom, BWSSB and BMRCL as a major contributor to road damage.
While utilities typically restore the excavated portion, experts said the surrounding sections weakened during digging are often ignored, leading to cracks and potholes over time.
Need for specialised engineers
Experts further stressed the need for specialised road engineers within civic agencies. Frequent transfers between departments prevent engineers from developing expertise in road planning and maintenance, affecting the long-term quality of urban infrastructure.
They said a dedicated approach to road management would help Bengaluru significantly reduce potholes and improve commuting conditions for residents.