In a decisive move aimed at tackling Bengaluru’s chronic infrastructure woes, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a strict ultimatum to civic authorities: repair and restore the city’s roads by October 31, 2025, or face disciplinary action. The directive comes amid mounting public frustration over pothole-ridden streets, traffic bottlenecks, and frequent accidents linked to poor road conditions.
Accountability and Deadlines
During a high-level review meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on Saturday, the Chief Minister expressed deep dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of roadwork across the city. He instructed officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), and other civic bodies to submit progress reports weekly and ensure 100% completion of pending road repairs by the end of October.
Siddaramaiah reportedly said, “People are suffering daily because of our negligence. This cannot continue. If roads are not fixed by October 31, action will be taken against those responsible.”
Focus Areas and Funding
The CM emphasized priority zones including:
Major arterial roads and junctions
School and hospital access routes
Tech corridor stretches in Whitefield, Electronic City, and Outer Ring Road
The government has allocated ₹1,200 crore for immediate road restoration under the Urban Infrastructure Renewal Scheme. Officials have been instructed to coordinate with traffic police and utility agencies to avoid delays caused by overlapping works.
Public Response and Political Pressure
Citizens and civic activists welcomed the announcement but remained sceptical about its implementation. Social media platforms were flooded with images of potholes and flooded streets, with hashtags like #FixBengaluruRoads and #PotholePolitics trending.
Opposition leaders questioned the timing of the directive, calling it a “pre-election stunt,” while urban planners urged the government to focus on long-term road durability rather than cosmetic patchwork.
What’s Next
The CM’s office has promised real-time updates via the BBMP dashboard and a public grievance portal to track complaints and progress. A follow-up review is scheduled for October 15 to assess compliance.
As Bengaluru braces for the festive season and increased traffic, the clock is ticking for civic officials to deliver on the Chief Minister’s ultimatum—or face the consequences.