The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a significant policy overhaul: all road restoration work following excavations by various civic agencies will now be exclusively carried out by its own dedicated teams. This strategic shift, compelling agencies such as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) to deposit funds in advance, signifies a critical step towards building a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban infrastructure in India’s technology capital.
For too long, Bengaluru’s thoroughfares have been plagued by undulating surfaces, persistent potholes, and treacherous sinkholes, frequently resurfacing shortly after utility works are completed. This recurrent deterioration not only causes immense inconvenience to commuters but also significantly impacts road safety and vehicular wear-and-tear, undermining the very essence of a smart, liveable city. The BBMP’s Chief Engineer for Projects, M Lokesh, articulated the core rationale behind this new directive, stating that the previous practice led to public discontent and tarnished the municipality’s reputation, despite the repairs being conducted by other entities. By centralising road reinstatement, the BBMP aims to enforce uniform quality standards.
A key aspect of this revised policy is the mandatory upfront deposit from any agency seeking a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) for civic or development works involving road excavation. This financial safeguard ensures that funds are readily available for immediate and high-quality restoration, mitigating delays and preventing the familiar cycle of haphazard patching. Officials from agencies like BWSSB concede that while they are adept at their primary functions, such as laying new sewer lines or drinking water pipelines across Bengaluru’s core areas and recently merged villages, they often lack the specialised expertise and standardised protocols for comprehensive road restoration. This candid admission underscores the systemic fragmentation that has historically undermined urban road networks.
Road infrastructure experts, such as D Prasad, a distinguished Member of the Indian Road Congress, have long pointed to a critical “coordination failure” as the primary culprit behind Bengaluru’s deplorable road conditions. The absence of a designated “coordinator” overseeing the entire excavation-and-restoration lifecycle, coupled with a lack of transparent communication regarding ongoing works, has left citizens bewildered and civic accountability fractured. Prasad further highlighted the glaring disregard for proper reinstatement protocols, including meticulous layer-by-layer compaction, watering, and the correct application of base and top layers before final surfacing. The prevalent practice of undertaking development work during monsoon seasons exacerbates these issues, leading to project delays, shoddy work, and substantial wastage of public funds.
The repercussions of poor road infrastructure extend far beyond mere inconvenience. Uneven and damaged roads contribute to increased vehicle emissions due to stop-and-go traffic and higher fuel consumption, directly contradicting the vision of a zero net carbon city. Furthermore, compromised road networks disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including pedestrians, cyclists, and those relying on public transport, hindering equitable access to employment, education, and essential services. This disproportionate impact, particularly on women, who often bear the brunt of navigating unsafe or inaccessible routes for daily commutes, underscores the critical need for gender-neutral and robust urban planning.
The BBMP’s bold decision to centralise road restoration marks a pivotal shift towards integrated urban governance and accountability. While the policy’s success will hinge on stringent enforcement, transparency, and a commitment to best practices, it offers a glimmer of hope for Bengaluru’s citizens. By taking ownership of road quality, the BBMP is not merely fixing potholes; it is laying the foundation for a more resilient, accessible, and environmentally responsible urban future for all.
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