The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued a stern warning, stating that utility companies and government departments will face penalties and even criminal prosecution if they are found cutting city roads without obtaining prior permission. This decisive move aims to put an end to the chaotic and repeated digging that has plagued Bengaluru's streets, causing severe inconvenience to the public.
Strict Mandate from the Top
GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao delivered this directive during a crucial inter-departmental coordination meeting. He made it clear that the haphazard cutting of roads without following due process will no longer be tolerated by the civic authority. Permission through the dedicated MARKS software is now mandatory for all such excavation works, without any exceptions.
Rao specifically instructed officials from key service providers, including the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), to ensure strict compliance with this new enforcement drive.
Streamlining Process and Improving Coordination
To expedite the approval process, the city's municipal corporations have been directed to promptly scrutinise applications submitted on the MARKS platform and issue permissions without unnecessary delays. Conversely, the departments have been instructed to complete their assigned works swiftly and restore the road surfaces to their original, proper condition immediately after.
Addressing the core issue of poor planning, Rao emphasized improved coordination. He ordered all departments to submit advance schedules of their proposed road-cutting works. Furthermore, they must digitally mark the exact locations and lengths of the stretches to be dug up on Google Maps and share these details with all the city corporations involved.
"The current lack of coordination is directly leading to roads being dug up multiple times and causing immense public inconvenience. This has to stop now," asserted Chief Commissioner Rao.
Focus on Commuter-Centric Projects
Beyond the road-digging issue, Rao also called for the faster execution of several pending projects that impact daily commuters. He highlighted the need for Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to roll out feeder bus services more quickly. Additionally, he stressed the completion of essential amenities like parking facilities near major transit hubs, skywalks, and new bus shelters.
"These works directly affect the comfort and safety of lakhs of commuters every day and must be completed within the stipulated timelines," he concluded, putting the onus on the respective departments to deliver results for Bengaluru's citizens.
