Bengaluru, Oct 21 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Minister for Bengaluru Development, announced on Tuesday that city officials have successfully filled 10,000 potholes throughout the metropolis.

His statement came during the inauguration of white-topping and integrated road development projects in the Gandhi Nagar Assembly constituency this Tuesday.

Dy CM Shivakumar remarked, "We have filled over 10,000 potholes across the city. Previously, during the tenure of the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government, an affidavit submitted to the court indicated that there were 20,000 potholes in Bengaluru.

"The court was examining this matter. However, it is the Congress government that has empowered residents to report these issues. If you encounter a pothole or see garbage near your residence, just take a photo and send it to the government — that’s the system we have established."

"This initiative has not been communicated to you before. It is a step taken by our government, under the leadership of Siddaramaiah and myself,” he added.

“We must let go of the past and embrace a new vision. Just as Nadaprabhu Kempegowda laid the groundwork for Bengaluru, we are now setting the stage for its transformation.

"Our ambition is to elevate Bengaluru to international standards. The decisions we are making today will be remembered by the citizens for the next decade. While change cannot happen overnight, we are diligently fulfilling our responsibilities step by step,” asserted Dy CM Shivakumar.

“Recently, PM Modi referred to Bengaluru as a global city. Former Prime Minister Vajpayee noted that the world perceives India through Bengaluru. Even ex-U.S. President Barack Obama commended Bengaluru, stating that it rivals American cities,” he added.

“To bring the government closer to the populace, we have made a historic decision to split Bengaluru into five municipal corporations and establish the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). This decision promises long-term advantages. Bengaluru is not owned by D.K. Shivakumar — it belongs to its citizens,” he emphasized.

“The Congress-led government has initiated several pro-people programs. Even opposition parties collaborated in the formation of the GBA. This is due to the trust placed in Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar’s ability to make informed and effective decisions. Politically, they may oppose us, but we consulted all stakeholders — led by Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad — and reached a consensus to create the GBA,” he noted.

“Whether it pertains to waste management, advertisement policies, or the premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) decisions made during the BJP's rule — all faced legal challenges. Yet, our government demonstrates courage. We presented our case confidently in court,” he stated.

“We are preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to white-top 500 kilometers of roads in the city, with an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore. Bengaluru has a total of 1,650 km of major roads, and currently, white-topping is being conducted on 104 kms,” Dy CM Shivakumar elaborated.

“White-topped roads have a lifespan of approximately 25–30 years. Currently, 148 km of white-topping works are in progress. A total of Rs 1,800 crore is being allocated for the development of 83 roads.

“Furthermore, black-topping is underway on 182 roads covering 350 km, at a cost of Rs 695 crore. The Chief Minister has sanctioned an additional Rs 1,100 crore, which will be utilized for asphalting 550 km of roads,” Dy CM Shivakumar explained.

“In our last Cabinet meeting, we approved the construction of a 117-km-long ‘Bengaluru Business Corridor’. According to Bangalore Development Authority regulations, double compensation is not allowed.

"However, our government is prepared to offer substantial compensation to farmers — three times the current rate, along with Transfer of Development Rights or FAR. No previous government had the audacity to do this, even though it was decided back in 2007–08,” Dy CM Shivakumar concluded.