Bengaluru’s “Brand Bengaluru” initiative, spearheaded by the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government, is now facing public ire as the city’s deteriorating infrastructure has come under scrutiny following heavy rainfall. The grand infrastructure plans, frequently promoted by the Deputy Chief Minister, including tunnel roads and sky decks, have failed to address the city’s most pressing issues—crumbling roads and constant flooding. As the rains exposed large potholes and failed road repairs, many frustrated residents took to social media, sharing images and expressing disillusionment with the government’s inability to meet basic civic needs.
The issue, which has become a city-wide crisis, is most visible in areas such as Sai Baba Layout and Hosa Road, where frequent flooding and massive potholes have crippled daily life. According to many residents, potholes filled only a month ago reopened after the first heavy rainfall, reigniting allegations of corruption among BBMP officials, local MLAs, and MPs. One resident remarked how these conditions, particularly in the city’s less-developed areas, make Bengaluru look like it’s “decades behind” in its infrastructure management, sparking questions about the validity of the “Brand Bengaluru” vision.
Despite the public outcry, the Deputy Chief Minister has defended the government’s actions, attributing the damage to nature’s uncontrollable force. Speaking to the media, he stated that while the rains have caused some disruption, the administration is prioritising road repairs and flood management across the city. He also accused opposition parties of exploiting the situation to tarnish the city’s reputation. However, residents argue that the focus should be on long-term solutions rather than political blame games, with suggestions such as better road materials and sustainable urban planning being proposed to tackle recurring issues.
From a sustainability perspective, the city’s failure to implement durable infrastructure solutions raises critical concerns. Effective urban management requires more than just grand promises—it demands actions that ensure the city’s road networks can withstand seasonal weather impacts. To build a truly sustainable and resilient city, Bengaluru’s leaders must focus on enhancing the quality of civic projects, using eco-friendly materials and methods, and improving transparency to address corruption. Sustainable infrastructure is key to preventing the recurring damage that has become all too familiar for the city’s residents.
