M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), on Thursday directed officials of all five city corporations to accelerate pothole-filling works and ensure smoother roads for commuters.At a virtual meeting, Mr. Rao directed the officials to utilise the ₹25 crore released to each corporation for the task. “Utilise the funds efficiently and submit detailed reports covering road length, pothole count, assigned contractors, estimated costs, and execution models,” he told the officials.Stressing the need for quality, Mr. Rao ordered that potholes on arterial, sub-arterial and ward-level roads be repaired from Friday onwards. He also directed corporations to procure asphalt from the designated mixing plant within a fixed timeline. A nodal officer from the North Corporation has been tasked with coordinating supply, while other corporations have been asked to raise indents as per requirement and ensure contractors carry out the work promptly. Central City Corporation Commissioner Rajendra Cholan said nodal officers have already been appointed for road maintenance in his jurisdiction. “A comprehensive plan has been drawn up. Over 30 teams have been deployed, each road assigned to a separate agency, and deadlines fixed to complete the work collectively,” he said.Later in the day, Tushar Girinath, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, conducted a joint inspection with officials from various departments on the Outer Ring Road stretch between Silk Board Junction and Hebbal Junction.To address congestion, he instructed officials to fill potholes, carry out road resurfacing, improve junctions, complete white-topping projects, ensure proper drainage to prevent flooding, and maintain roads around metro construction sites in usable condition.On the Outer Ring Road, he suggested designing entry and exit points at 20 locations between the service roads and the main carriageway. He further directed that agencies such as Metro, BWSSB, and BESCOM must ensure roads are restored wherever their works are carried out. If road surfaces are damaged or potholes appear, those departments themselves must take up repairs. He further instructed that name boards must be displayed at each work site indicating which department is executing the project.At Iblur Junction, he called for the construction of a skywalk to facilitate pedestrian movement and directed that measures be taken to prevent flooding. He also asked officials to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the junction and examine the feasibility of installing a magic box underpass to ease traffic. Published - September 18, 2025 10:28 pm IST