Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who assumed office 13 days after schedule, began his tenure on Tuesday by posing three critical questions to civic officials. In a meeting with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) chief and commissioners of the five city corporations, he asked: “Is road-making in Bengaluru a rocket science? Why is it so difficult to have pothole-free roads? And why has pothole-filling become such a big business?”
The tough questions came during the minister’s first review meeting, signaling that road quality and accountability would be high on his agenda. His remarks reflect the growing frustration of Bengaluru residents with civic infrastructure. “If we don’t fix Bengaluru, there is a serious problem for Karnataka,” he said, emphasizing the tech capital’s role as a growth engine for India.
Gowda directed officials to focus on improving infrastructure in the city’s peripheral areas. “Historically, you have invested in infrastructure in the core areas, with a lot of white-topping. All the problems are in the peripheral areas. Roads are dug up as BWSSB has taken up works in areas not covered in peripheral constituencies,” he said, noting the immense pressure on peripheries due to relentless expansion.
He highlighted that the formation of the GBA and five city corporations was a fundamental solution to Bengaluru’s problems. “Our government has introduced major projects like the tunnel road and elevated corridors,” he said, pointing to policy continuity. He also pledged to solve day-to-day issues.
Responding to opposition concerns about waste management tenders with over 30-year contract periods, Gowda said the city needs long-term solutions, not quick fixes. “The tenders are being evaluated by a panel of senior officials formed by the government,” he said, urging leaders across party lines to work together. Without revealing specifics, he added that the government would introduce interventions to address revenue disparities among the five corporations.
