Over 1,200 Potholes Persist in Bengaluru Despite Government Repair Claims
While the Karnataka state government asserts that the majority of potholes across Bengaluru have been addressed, a significant number of craters—over 1,200—continue to mar the city's roads. This situation underscores persistent issues in execution, inter-agency coordination, and long-term maintenance strategies.
Official Data Reveals Gaps in Pothole Closure
According to official statistics, authorities identified a total of 41,150 potholes across Bengaluru until March 2026. Of these, nearly 39,887 have been repaired, leaving 1,263 still unattended. Government officials describe this as "substantial progress," but civic experts and residents contend that the actual number of potholes is likely much higher. This discrepancy arises from recurring road damage and ongoing utility works that constantly create new hazards.
The data highlights uneven progress among the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The breakdown shows:
- Bengaluru North accounts for the highest number of remaining potholes.
- This is followed by the West and East zones.
- While most zones report over 90% closure rates, hundreds of potholes are still scattered across both arterial and internal roads.
Cyclical Repair Problem and Financial Outlay
GBA officials acknowledge a frustrating cycle: freshly laid roads are frequently damaged again due to trenching by various agencies. Key culprits include the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), and gas pipeline operators. This leads to a continuous loop of damage and repair, undermining long-term road quality.
The government has allocated approximately Rs 33.9 crore across the five corporations specifically for pothole repairs. A senior GBA official explained, "Pothole filling is not a one-time activity. With multiple agencies digging roads and the pressures of the monsoon season, we are dealing with a continuous cycle. Our focus is now shifting toward preventive maintenance and enforcing stricter restoration norms."
New Measures for Faster, Standardized Repairs
In response to mounting criticism, GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has issued directives to all five city corporations. Each must procure dedicated pothole-filling machines to ensure faster and standardized repairs throughout Bengaluru. Rao emphasized during a recent review meeting, "Each corporation must be equipped to respond immediately. Roads that are dug up must be restored without delay, and we will recover costs from any defaulting agencies."
This move aims to enhance accountability and streamline the repair process, addressing one of the core coordination challenges highlighted by the ongoing pothole crisis.
