Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, in his first meeting after taking charge, questioned officials whether building pothole-free roads was rocket science. The minister's remarks come amid persistent road quality issues in the city.
Root Causes of Road Failures
Experts point to three main factors behind Bengaluru's recurring road problems: bad design, poor quality checks, and a shortage of qualified engineers. The lack of proper drainage systems, inadequate base layers, and substandard materials contribute to rapid deterioration.
Design Flaws
Many roads are designed without considering Bengaluru's unique soil conditions and heavy rainfall. Inadequate cross slopes and improper camber lead to waterlogging, which weakens the road structure.
Quality Control Lapses
Poor supervision during construction and lack of rigorous testing for materials result in subpar roads. Officials often fail to enforce quality standards, leading to early failures.
Engineer Shortage
A significant shortage of qualified civil engineers in the public works department hampers effective planning and execution. Many positions remain vacant, overburdening existing staff.
The minister's query highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure durable, pothole-free roads in Bengaluru.
