Bengaluru Minister Slams Deadline: Fix SH-35 in 3 Months or Face Action

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Tuesday ordered the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) to complete repairs on State Highway 35 (SH-35) within three months and provide immediate relief to commuters. The directive came after the minister inspected the stretch, which has been plagued by recurring complaints, including an incident earlier this month where schoolchildren were stuck in traffic for more than two hours.

The minister's inspection followed mounting public anger over the poor condition of SH-35, a critical arterial road connecting Bengaluru to surrounding areas. Commuters have long complained of potholes, inadequate lighting, and chronic congestion. The incident involving schoolchildren, which went viral on social media, intensified pressure on authorities. "The condition of SH-35 is unacceptable. KRDCL must act immediately and complete repairs within three months. There will be no extension," Gowda said during the inspection. He also directed officials to implement temporary measures to ease traffic flow until permanent repairs are completed.

The minister's ultimatum underscores the broader infrastructure challenges facing Bengaluru, India's tech hub, where rapid urbanization has outpaced road maintenance. The incident has sparked debates on social media about government accountability and the safety of schoolchildren. KRDCL officials have yet to respond publicly, but sources indicate that repair work will begin next week. The minister's office stated that progress will be monitored weekly, and failure to meet the deadline will result in disciplinary action. This development is being closely watched as a test of the state government's ability to address citizen grievances ahead of upcoming elections.