Bengaluru's chronic pothole problem has reached a critical juncture where citizens and activists are demanding legislative action. The city's infrastructure crisis requires more than just temporary fixes and empty promises.
The Failure of Deadline-Based Approaches
For years, municipal authorities have relied on deadlines and temporary repair measures to address Bengaluru's pothole epidemic. However, these approaches have consistently failed to deliver lasting solutions. The absence of legal accountability has allowed the problem to persist year after year, monsoon after monsoon.
Last Updated: 14 November 2025, 22:26 IST marks a significant turning point in this ongoing battle. As noted by Sneha Priya Yanappa, the current system has proven inadequate in protecting citizens and ensuring proper road maintenance.
The Case for Legal Obligations
The proposed legislation would establish clear legal obligations for municipal authorities and contractors. This framework would mandate regular road maintenance and quality control measures that prevent potholes from forming in the first place.
More importantly, the law would introduce fair compensation mechanisms for citizens affected by pothole-related accidents and vehicle damage. This represents a fundamental shift from the current system where victims often struggle to receive any compensation for their losses.
Why Bengaluru Needs This Law Now
The urgency for this legislation stems from multiple factors affecting India's technology capital:
- Increasing vehicle damage and repair costs for citizens
- Growing number of accidents and injuries caused by poor road conditions
- Economic losses due to traffic delays and reduced productivity
- Damage to the city's reputation as a global technology hub
The proposed law would not only address immediate safety concerns but also establish a long-term framework for maintaining Bengaluru's infrastructure. It represents a move toward preventive maintenance rather than reactive repairs.
As the debate continues, citizens await concrete action from policymakers. The need for legal accountability in road maintenance has never been more apparent in Bengaluru's ongoing struggle with infrastructure quality and public safety.
