Fri Jan 16 16:17:23 UTC 2026: ### Road Neglect Sparks Citizen Action in Bengaluru’s Tech Corridor
The Story:
Residents of the Balagere-Varthur-Gunjur corridor in Bengaluru are planning a cleaning drive on January 17, 2026, under the banner “TejaVeera Yodha” to protest the severely deteriorated road conditions in the area. This action follows numerous accidents, including one involving Sridhar Mudooru, an IT employee who suffered multiple fractures after his scooter hit a pothole. The protest aims to highlight the persistent neglect of road maintenance by authorities, despite promises and allocated funds.
Key Points:
- Two-wheeler accidents are common due to potholes and dust along the Balagere-Varthur-Gunjur corridor.
- Sridhar Mudooru suffered multiple fractures after hitting a pothole on January 12, 2026, and may be unable to work for two months.
- Residents are organizing a cleaning drive on January 17, 2026, to demand a dedicated annual road maintenance plan.
- Demands include asphalting specific roads, resurfacing SH-35 (Varthur Road), and public disclosure of road maintenance budgets.
- The Deputy Chief Minister had announced ₹8 crore for Balagere Road, but only partial asphalting has been completed.
- A recent cabinet clearance of ₹613.25 crore for sweeping machines has yet to show any impact.
- Residents claim 10-15 accidents happen daily on the stretch, many involving gig workers.
Key Takeaways:
- Citizen activism is rising in response to perceived government inaction regarding essential infrastructure.
- Despite budgetary allocations, road maintenance remains a critical issue in Bengaluru’s rapidly developing tech corridor.
- Lack of transparency in fund utilization for infrastructure projects is fueling public distrust.
- The safety of commuters, especially two-wheeler riders and gig workers, is severely compromised by poor road conditions.
- Short-term solutions, such as temporary cleaning drives, are insufficient without long-term maintenance plans and accountability.
First Piper 