Bengaluru’s crumbling roads and pothole menace have been a long-standing concern for residents and businesses alike. In this News9 Exclusive, GBA (Greater Bangalore Authority) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao speaks on the city’s infrastructure challenges and the measures being taken to address them.

With key responsibilities now shifted from BBMP to the GBA, Rao assures citizens that large-scale repair and restoration work is in motion. While heavy rains have slowed operations, he maintains that the authority is committed to fast-tracking repairs and delivering smoother, safer roads in the coming months.

News9: Bengaluru, which was once known for IT-BT, is today seeing IT-BT companies wanting to leave. That is the state we have come to. To speak on this, I am joined by the Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao of the BBMP. Sir, the sad news is that an IT-BT company has said it wants to leave, and it is not the first. Others in the past have also said they want to leave Bengaluru because of the infrastructure. How do you see this?

Maheshwar Rao: From the Greater Bengaluru Authority side, we are committed to ensuring the best quality infrastructure for all citizens, including companies. The Authority has set up an Economic Development Board, which, after the initial meetings, will be operationalised. The idea is to attract more investment, better quality investment, and the best talent to the city. If infrastructure issues exist and people express dissatisfaction, then we must improve. We are taking both short-term and long-term measures. Long-term measures include the completion of the Metro and better public transport. In the short term, wherever roads are in poor condition, we are working with the traffic police to ensure potholes are fixed, especially along high-density corridors.

News9: But what is the point of filling a pothole when it opens up again in two days?

Maheshwar Rao: Bengaluru is a blessed city, with good weather and regular rains. But heavy rainfall and the huge traffic volume often damage roads and junctions. Major projects have been taken up, such as cement concreting, blacktopping of high-density corridors, and improving drainage. Still, some older infrastructure tends to develop potholes. Our teams are on the job to repair them, though there may be a lag, which understandably frustrates people. We are doing our best to resolve these problems quickly.

News9: Citizens are frustrated. In the last week, a foreigner posted a video about footpaths, and it was fixed only after that. Three children posted a video about potholes on their bus route. People are speaking out because of daily struggles. Everyone complains of back pain from the roads. How is this going to change? Even with 5,000 potholes identified, 4,000 cleared, 2,000 remain. Complaints on the Guddi Gumana app don’t seem to show results.

Maheshwar Rao: Let me mention a few things. The focus on footpaths is something we have prioritised. Pedestrians must come first. Some highlighted locations were already in our plans to upgrade. If we can partner with more stakeholders, footpaths will improve, and more people will walk, reducing road load. On potholes, we are working closely with the Bengaluru traffic police. Now, with five corporation commissioners actively involved, all roads are being reviewed. You will definitely see results soon.

News9: Finally, sir, what assurance can you give the people of Bengaluru, who are frustrated?

Maheshwar Rao: You will see a better Bengaluru, you will see better roads.

News9: And what deadline can you give?

Maheshwar Rao: I cannot commit to a deadline. The honourable minister will take a decision on that. But we are planning and acting to address citizens’ problems at the earliest.

News9: Thank you.

While we don’t have a timeline, we do have a guarantee that things will change in Bengaluru. How fast that change comes, we will have to wait and watch.