BENGALURU: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has called for a white paper on the funds allocated and spent on pothole repairs in Bengaluru, while also flagging significant delays in the city's Namma Metro projects. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Surya demanded greater transparency and accountability in urban infrastructure spending.
Demand for White Paper on Pothole Expenditure
Surya pointed out that despite substantial budgetary allocations for road maintenance, Bengaluru continues to suffer from severe pothole problems, especially during the monsoon season. He questioned the efficacy of spending and urged the government to publish a detailed white paper outlining the total funds released, amounts utilized, and the number of potholes filled over the past five years.
According to data from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city spent over ₹300 crore on pothole repairs in the last three financial years, yet complaints remain rampant. Surya argued that without a clear audit trail, citizens cannot assess whether the money is being used effectively.
Metro Project Delays Under Scrutiny
The MP also raised concerns about the slow pace of Namma Metro's Phase 2 and Phase 3 expansions. He noted that several stretches, including the crucial Outer Ring Road line and the airport connectivity project, are running months behind schedule. Delays have led to cost overruns, with the total project cost now estimated at ₹25,000 crore, up from the original ₹18,000 crore.
"Commuters are bearing the brunt of these delays. The government must ensure that the Metro projects are completed on time and within the revised budget," Surya said in his speech. He called for a comprehensive review of all metro contracts and a timeline for completion of pending works.
Proposal for Real-Time Dashboard
To enhance transparency, Surya urged the government to develop a real-time dashboard that tracks all major infrastructure projects in Bengaluru. The dashboard would display project milestones, fund utilization, and completion dates, accessible to the public. He suggested that similar dashboards used by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways could serve as a model.
"A real-time monitoring system will empower citizens to hold authorities accountable. It will also help in identifying bottlenecks early and preventing cost overruns," Surya added.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Karnataka government has not yet officially responded to Surya's demands. However, sources indicate that the BBMP and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) are likely to submit detailed reports to the central government in the coming weeks. Surya has also written to the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, seeking intervention to expedite metro projects.
Citizen groups in Bengaluru have welcomed the MP's initiative. "We need accountability for every rupee spent on roads and metro. A white paper and dashboard are essential steps," said Ashok Kumar, a resident of Indiranagar and member of a local RWAs federation.
