Overcoming Potholes and Bad Roads in Bengaluru: A Comprehensive Guide for Urban Development

Bengaluru, the tech capital of India, faces persistent challenges in maintaining its roads. Potholes and poorly maintained roads continue to be a major issue, affecting both commuters and urban infrastructure. This article explores innovative solutions from both the Big Basin Municipality Corporation (BBMP) and the Public Works Department (PWD), along with community engagement strategies to improve road conditions in the city.

Addressing Potholes with Effective Drainage Solutions

Potholes are common in bituminous roads, often caused by the ravelling action of tyres on stagnant water. To combat this, it is crucial to improve the drainage system. This can be achieved through natural drainage mechanisms or by using mechanical pumps to lift excess water from the road surface. It is essential to ensure that the road surface is not wet, as stagnation of water exacerbates the problem.

Once the road surface is drained, potholes can be filled with a mixture of brick bats and lime earth temporarily. This mixture will soak up water from the pothole and harden, preventing traffic hazards and accidents. During a dry spell, the potholes should be cleaned and fully repaired, ensuring that the area is filled with hot bitumen and compacted using a road roller. This method ensures that roads are stable and safe for continued use.

Immediate Action is Key: Prioritizing the prevention of accidents should always be the first action taken, as these are the most significant concerns for road maintenance.

Constructing High-Quality Roads

Construction of high-quality roads according to international standards is crucial. This involves not only building roads that are durable but also ensuring that the construction process is transparent and involves community feedback. Bangalore Metropolitan Highway Development Corporation (BBMHD) and other authorities must adhere to strict quality control measures and ensure that roads are unobstructed from water accumulation and unauthorized excavations.

Water must not be allowed to remain on the roads, as this not only leads to potholes but also causes the roads to degrade over time. Additionally, the use of optical fiber by various government bodies and private entities must be regulated to prevent repeated digging and damage to road infrastructure.

Community Engagement and Political Pressure

Community engagement can be a powerful tool in addressing road issues. People in Pune have shown that collective action can lead to significant improvements in road infrastructure. In Pune, residents organized themselves to defeat the ruling party due to the poor state of roads. Following this, the city has enjoyed consistently good road conditions and scheduled repairs.

Similar initiatives can be launched in Bengaluru. Hoardings and social media campaigns can be used to highlight the importance of good roads and the need to hold the ruling party accountable for failing to provide them. Images and messages can be shared online to create a strong public opinion and pressure on authorities to take action.

Another unconventional approach is to create awareness by digging small holes in front of officials' residences and leaving notes. While this is highly controversial and not recommended as a standard practice, it might serve as an eye-opener for officials to address road maintenance issues promptly.

Conclusion

The maintenance of roads in Bengaluru is a multidimensional challenge that requires the cooperation of multiple stakeholders. By implementing innovative drainage solutions, adhering to international standards for road construction, and involving the community in the process, significant improvements can be achieved. The city can become more livable and welcoming for its residents and visitors alike.