Bengaluru roads in shambles, say Mazumdar-Shaw and Nirupama Rao

Two of Bengaluru's most prominent voices have joined the growing chorus of discontent over the city's deteriorating roads. Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao have publicly slammed the state of civic infrastructure, describing the roads as being in "shambles". Their remarks have reignited a debate over urban governance and the quality of public amenities in India's tech capital.

Sharp words from influential Bengalureans

Mazumdar-Shaw, known for her blunt commentary on civic issues, did not mince words when she highlighted the daily ordeal faced by commuters. She pointed to potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly planned repairs that have turned routine travel into a hazardous exercise. Rao, a retired diplomat who has served as ambassador to the United States and China, echoed similar concerns, drawing attention to the disconnect between the city's global image and its crumbling road network.

Both figures took to social media to express their frustration, with posts that quickly gained traction among residents who have long complained about neglected infrastructure. Their statements come at a time when monsoon rains have further exposed the fragility of Bengaluru's roads, with several stretches becoming virtually impassable.

Commuters bear the brunt

The state of the roads has direct consequences for the city's workforce. Bengaluru relies heavily on road transport, with a large percentage of its population commuting daily to IT parks, business districts, and commercial hubs. Damaged roads not only increase travel time but also lead to vehicle damage, accidents, and fuel wastage. Auto and cab drivers, who spend hours on these roads, have frequently protested against the lack of maintenance.

Residents in several neighbourhoods have resorted to organising their own repairs, a trend that highlights the failure of official mechanisms. Civic activists argue that the problem is not just about funding but also about planning and execution. They point to the lack of coordination between the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Public Works Department, and utility agencies that dig up roads for laying cables and pipelines, often leaving them in a worse state than before.

Calls for accountability and long-term fixes

Mazumdar-Shaw and Rao have both urged the authorities to adopt a more systematic approach. They have called for better quality control during road construction, timely maintenance, and strict accountability for contractors who deliver substandard work. The demand is not new, but the weight of their public stature adds urgency to the appeal.

In recent years, several expert committees have recommended the use of better materials and technology, such as recycled plastic in asphalt and cold-mix paving for quick repairs. However, implementation has been inconsistent. The city's rapid expansion and heavy vehicular load have outpaced the capacity of agencies to keep up, resulting in a perpetual cycle of patchwork fixes.

Political and administrative response awaited

So far, there has been no official response from the state government or the BBMP to the comments made by the two eminent personalities. Civic officials have often cited budget constraints and the scale of the problem as reasons for the slow pace of work. With elections in the state expected in the coming years, road conditions are likely to become a key campaign issue, forcing political parties to take note.

The frustration is palpable among ordinary citizens as well. Social media is filled with photographs of damaged roads, and citizen groups have been holding regular meetings to press for solutions. The hope is that the combined voices of influential figures and everyday residents will push the authorities to act decisively.

What lies ahead

As the city prepares for the next spell of rain, the condition of its roads is expected to worsen before it improves. The onus is now on the civic bodies to present a clear timeline for repairs and to demonstrate that they can deliver quality infrastructure. The coming weeks will show whether the criticism from Mazumdar-Shaw and Rao translates into tangible action or is merely added to the long list of ignored complaints.