Bengaluru Roads Better Than Delhi’s: DKS Announces Rs 660-Crore Resurfacing Plan

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced a significant plan to improve Bengaluru’s roads, claiming they are in better condition than those in New Delhi. This announcement comes as part of a Rs 660-crore initiative to resurface major roads and address potholes across the city.

Road Resurfacing and Pothole Repairs

During a media briefing at Vidhana Soudha on September 2, 2024, Shivakumar responded to concerns about potholes in Bengaluru. He stated that after visiting Delhi, he observed that Bengaluru’s roads are in relatively better shape. However, he acknowledged the presence of potholes and instructed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to repair all identified potholes within 15 days.

Shivakumar also revealed plans to tour Bengaluru on his refurbished motorcycle with the BBMP chief commissioner after the deadline to inspect the repairs. The BBMP has identified 2,795 potholes that still need attention. The new resurfacing plan will target all major roads, with a substantial investment of Rs 660 crore allocated for this purpose.

New Mobile App for Reporting Potholes

To enhance public involvement, Shivakumar introduced a new mobile app, Raste Gundi Gamana, designed for reporting potholes. Citizens can use the app to share photos of potholes, aiding in quicker repairs.

Buffer Zone Development Plans

In addition to road improvements, Shivakumar outlined a controversial plan to expand the buffer zone around primary stormwater drains. This initiative involves acquiring private properties through the Transferable Development Right (TDR) scheme to increase the buffer zone to 50 meters, as per National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines.

The BBMP will focus initial development efforts on areas like Hebbal, Nagavara, and Bellandur, with an allocated budget of Rs 200 crore. The new roads will avoid heavy vehicle traffic on 30-foot roads.