Bengaluru: In a major push for systematic urban infrastructure upgrade, Chief Commissioner of Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Maheshwar Rao has instructed officials to identify 100 key roads across the GBA limits for comprehensive, citizen-driven development under a unified urban improvement strategy.
During a high-level review meeting held on Wednesday, Rao stressed that maintaining city roads in good condition is a shared responsibility among all civic agencies. Each of the five city corporations under GBA will shortlist 10 major roads per zone, creating a master list of 100 roads across 10 zones, with detailed integrated development plans to follow.
He directed that the selection process consider citizen feedback and focus on practical parameters such as pothole density, footpath quality, drainage flow, bus stop and streetlight maintenance, traffic congestion points, waterlogging zones, and garbage dumping sites. The overall accountability for execution will rest with respective Chief Engineers of the zones.
GBA Approval Mandatory Before Any Road Work
Highlighting frequent road damage caused by overlapping work from multiple agencies, Rao made it clear that no department, including BWSSB or BESCOM, can undertake any road-related work without prior clearance from the GBA. This, he said, will prevent unnecessary re-digging and ensure proper coordination among civic utilities.
Weekly Monitoring and Accountability
To strengthen field-level oversight, the Chief Commissioner has mandated weekly review meetings led by the Chief Engineer (Projects). Departments must take temporary remedial steps first, followed by long-term sustainable solutions to address recurring infrastructure issues.
Pothole and White-Topping Maintenance on Priority
Rao instructed that potholes on Outer Ring Road be repaired on priority, along with arterial and sub-arterial stretches, to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow.
He further emphasized that all white-topped roads currently under execution should be kept in optimal condition, with contractors held accountable for regular maintenance.
Drainage and Cleanliness on Flyovers and Ring Roads
Officials were directed to inspect and replace damaged drainage pipes on flyovers, as leaking rainwater has been causing surface erosion and traffic hazards.
In addition, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has been instructed to coordinate with civic corporations for intensive cleanliness drives along Outer Ring Roads, medians, and footpaths.
Senior officials, including Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and representatives from B-SMILE and other allied departments, attended the meeting.
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