Ministers Conduct Late-Night Inspection of Bengaluru Roads, Pull Up Officials Over Civic Lapses
Bengaluru: Karnataka Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda and Ramalinga Reddy conducted a late-night inspection of Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) on Thursday, reviewing road conditions, footpath encroachments and ongoing civic works while directing officials to address persistent infrastructure issues.
The inspection covered the stretch from Silk Board Junction to Baiyappanahalli Metro Station, where the ministers expressed concern over road quality and pedestrian safety.
Krishna Byre Gowda criticised officials after noticing that a newly laid road at Doddanekkundi Junction had been dug up again, warning against the wastage of public funds due to poor coordination among civic agencies.
Defending the ongoing drive to clear footpath encroachments, the minister said illegal occupation of pavements had forced pedestrians onto busy roads, putting their lives at risk.
“We are not against anyone doing business. But footpaths on major roads cannot be encroached upon at the cost of public safety. Around 300 pedestrians lose their lives in road accidents every year because they are forced to walk on the roads. Who is responsible for these deaths?” he asked.
Byre Gowda said the government has no objection to commercial activities on internal roads, but stressed that footpaths along major roads must remain free for pedestrians.
The ministers directed officials to improve coordination between departments, ensure proper execution of road works and prevent repeated digging of newly laid roads.
