Bengaluru MG Road Set For Major Works
Bengaluru’s MG Road, one of the city’s most recognisable commercial corridors, is set for extensive utility upgrades for the first time in nearly four decades, as the water utility prepares to replace ageing water and sewer lines before a planned surface renewal. The move is expected to cause months of disruption but is viewed as essential to safeguard public health and future-proof the city’s core infrastructure.
According to officials involved in the project, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has drawn up plans to install new water and sanitary pipelines along the entire stretch between Brigade Road and Trinity Circle. Portions towards the Anil Kumble Circle junction will also be taken up. Much of the work requires reclaiming about one traffic lane on either side of the arterial road. The overhaul follows repeated complaints from businesses and residents about contamination and leakages from the four-decade-old network. A senior BWSSB engineer noted that the metal pipes, laid in the 1980s, “have reached the end of their structural life”, raising risks of supply losses and public health hazards. Authorities say the new pipelines are expected to last at least another 40 years, reducing maintenance costs and service disruptions.
The work has been timed to precede the Bengaluru Central City Corporation’s plan to white-top the 2.2-km stretch at an estimated cost of ₹45 crore. As resurfacing would prohibit future digging, officials insisted the underground utilities must be replaced beforehand. A senior officer from the Urban Development Department added that the government is evaluating whether Stone Matrix Asphalt a faster, long-lasting resurfacing method — could serve as an alternative to full white-topping to limit public inconvenience. Local representatives have expressed concern about the scale of disruption. One MLA cautioned that traffic diversions near key commercial hubs could affect livelihoods and urged agencies to defer visible work until after New Year and Republic Day festivities. The BWSSB has agreed to sequence the digging accordingly.
Urban transport planners argue that while the project will inconvenience commuters, it represents a necessary shift toward proactive maintenance rather than reactive fixes. They note that resilient, well-maintained underground networks are critical for cities attempting to balance economic activity, public health, and long-term sustainability. “Core infrastructure that is safe and future-ready is the foundation for equitable, climate-resilient growth,” said an infrastructure expert. For MG Road, the challenge will be managing pedestrian and vehicular movement during the months of digging. Officials say coordination between civic agencies will be key to minimising disruption and ensuring the corridor remains accessible, especially for older adults, workers, and those dependent on public transport. If executed efficiently, the revamp could reduce leakage losses, improve water quality, and create safer streets aligning Bengaluru’s ambitions of becoming a more liveable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious metropolis.
Bengaluru MG Road Set For Major Works
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