New Delhi– In a rare intervention in civic affairs, Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has offered to fund repairs of Bengaluru’s badly damaged roads, highlighting the city’s chronic infrastructure challenges.

Chidambaram welcomes proposal, stresses execution issues

Congress MP P Chidambaram welcomed Shaw’s initiative but emphasised that Bengaluru’s woes go beyond funding.

“The problem with our public works is not the lack of money; it is in the execution,” Chidambaram said in an online post. He suggested a model where private industry could be held accountable for quality and timely delivery of public projects.

Under this blueprint, public contractors would carry out the work, but a supervising company or industrialist—like Shaw—would ensure quality and adherence to deadlines. Any penalties or cost overruns would fall on the supervising entity, Chidambaram added, pointing to Bengaluru and Chennai as potential test cases.

Shaw meets Karnataka leaders to pledge support

Shaw met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar on Tuesday to extend Deepavali greetings and reportedly assured them of her support for the city’s development.

Shivakumar, who oversees Bengaluru’s civic development, said that industry leaders have agreed to cooperate with the development of Bengaluru without undermining existing systems. He also mentioned plans to address infrastructure and taxation disparities between areas adjacent to the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges persist

Bengaluru has long faced criticism over poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and inadequate civic management. Shaw’s offer comes amid mounting frustration from residents navigating pothole-ridden streets, crumbling roads, and chaotic traffic, especially during the festive season.

Her public call for action and private offer to help have reignited debates on whether urban infrastructure in India can improve through government-industry partnerships or if deeper structural reforms are needed to address longstanding civic issues.