Bengaluru MG Road Digs Reopen Infrastructure Debate
Bengaluru’s MG Road, one of the city’s most recognisable commercial corridors, is set to undergo its first major underground infrastructure overhaul in nearly 40 years, as civic authorities prepare to replace ageing water supply and sanitary pipelines that have increasingly failed under urban pressure. Scheduled to begin after Republic Day next year, the project underscores the mounting challenge Indian cities face in maintaining invisible but critical civic systems.
The work will be carried out by the city’s water and sewerage utility, which plans to excavate stretches between Brigade Road and Trinity Circle on both sides of MG Road. Near Anil Kumble Circle, excavation will be limited to one side, reflecting land-use patterns and commercial density. Around one traffic lane on each side will be occupied during construction, making traffic disruption inevitable on a road that serves as both an economic artery and a public gathering space. Officials’ familiar with the project said the replacement has become unavoidable. The existing pipelines, installed roughly four decades ago, have corroded extensively, leading to recurring leaks and contamination concerns for businesses and institutions along the stretch. “Temporary repairs are no longer viable. A full replacement is the only way to ensure water safety and system reliability for the next generation,” an official said.
The new network is expected to have a design life of at least 40 years and will also extend formal water connections to defence and police establishments located along MG Road. Urban infrastructure experts note that such upgrades, while disruptive, are essential for sustaining dense commercial districts without compromising public health. The timing of the excavation is closely coordinated with a separate proposal to resurface the 2.2-kilometre stretch under a road concretisation plan estimated at ₹45 crore. Civic administrators have stressed that underground works must be completed first to avoid repeated digging, a long-standing grievance among city residents. Alternative surfacing options, including stone matrix asphalt, are also under evaluation for faster execution and longer durability.
Authorities have delayed the start of work until after the festive and New Year season, citing safety risks posed by large crowds. Once underway, however, commuters and traders will need to adjust to temporary congestion and access changes. Parallel to the MG Road project, the city’s newly formed metropolitan authority has accelerated plans to develop buffer roads across Bengaluru. Nearly 47 kilometres of such roads are expected to enter construction shortly as part of a wider mobility strategy aimed at easing congestion, protecting stormwater drains, and strengthening neighbourhood connectivity. Together, these projects reflect a shift towards coordinated urban infrastructure planning prioritising longevity, safety, and resilience. While short-term inconvenience is unavoidable, planners argue that renewing buried civic assets is fundamental to building inclusive, low-risk, and future-ready city centres that can support economic activity without recurring environmental or social costs.
Bengaluru MG Road Digs Reopen Infrastructure Debate
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