Greater Bengaluru Authority Proposes Long-Term Maintenance for Key Roads

Bengaluru, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Bengaluru, the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka, has undergone remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Known for its vibrant culture and as a hub for technology and innovation, the city is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India. However, this rapid urbanization has brought with it a host of challenges, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development. Among these challenges, road maintenance has emerged as a critical issue, impacting daily commutes and the overall quality of life for residents.

In response to these pressing concerns, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has put forth a comprehensive proposal aimed at enhancing the quality and longevity of the city’s extensive network of arterial and sub-arterial roads, which collectively span over 1,600 kilometers. This initiative is not just a routine maintenance upgrade; it represents a significant shift in how the city manages its road infrastructure, particularly in light of the heavy traffic that characterizes Bengaluru's streets.

The GBA's proposal to implement longer maintenance contracts, potentially lasting a minimum of five years, marks a departure from the current practice where newly asphalted roads are typically subject to a defect liability period (DLP) of only one year. This short maintenance cycle has resulted in a pattern of frequent resurfacing, even when roads remain in relatively good condition. Such practices place an undue burden on the city’s budget and lead to unnecessary disruptions for commuters and residents alike, as roads are routinely closed for repairs or resurfacing.

In contrast to Bengaluru's existing model, agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have successfully adopted a more integrated approach to road management. By awarding contracts that encompass both the construction and long-term maintenance of roads, NHAI has been able to ensure that roads remain in good condition for extended periods. These contracts can last anywhere from five to twenty years, allowing for a more sustainable management approach that prioritizes quality and durability. The GBA's consideration of a hybrid annuity model (HAM) for road maintenance reflects an intention to emulate this successful strategy, which could lead to improved construction quality and longer-lasting roads.

M. Maheshwar Rao, the Chief Commissioner of the GBA, has indicated that the introduction of the HAM could significantly enhance the overall quality of road construction in Bengaluru. By holding contractors accountable for the maintenance of roads over an extended period, the new model is expected to incentivize contractors to prioritize durability in their construction practices. This shift in responsibility could foster a more systematic approach to road upkeep, potentially reducing the frequency of repairs and associated costs, which have been a longstanding issue for the city's infrastructure management.

The proposal was initially introduced during an internal meeting led by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. Following this initial discussion, the GBA convened a meeting with the commissioners of all five city corporations to explore the feasibility of implementing this new maintenance model. Chief engineers from these corporations have been tasked with identifying specific stretches of road that could be developed under the HAM framework. This step is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for operationalizing the proposal and ensuring that it can be effectively implemented across the city.

In terms of road classification, the GBA has categorized the 1,682 kilometers of arterial and sub-arterial roads into three distinct types: white-topped, TenderSURE, and black-topped. The authority has issued an internal order directing chief engineers to further categorize these roads and provide detailed information regarding their current status. This includes assessing whether certain roads are still within their defect liability period or if they are slated for redevelopment. This categorization is essential for determining which roads require immediate attention and which can be maintained under the proposed new contract model.

To support the proposal, a feasibility study is being conducted to provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing condition of the roads. This study will include evaluations of pavement quality, utility corridors, footpaths, and other related infrastructure. The GBA plans to utilize advanced methods such as dash camera surveys and field inspections to gather data, which will be compiled into detailed reports. These reports are expected to play a vital role in shaping the most effective strategies for road maintenance and redevelopment moving forward.

Once the feasibility study is finalized, the GBA will present the proposal to its Executive Committee for further consideration. This step is crucial as it will determine the future direction of road maintenance in Bengaluru. If successful, the initiative could set a precedent for similar urban infrastructure projects across India, particularly in other rapidly growing cities facing comparable challenges.

Despite the positive outlook surrounding the GBA's proposal, not all stakeholders are entirely optimistic about the potential for this new model to resolve the city's road quality issues. Urbanist Ashwin Mahesh has expressed cautious support for the idea of longer maintenance contracts but emphasizes that simply changing the contracting model may not be sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. He points out that without active citizen involvement in monitoring the quality of work, the improvements may not be as significant as hoped.

Mahesh’s perspective highlights a critical consideration in urban governance: the necessity for community engagement and oversight in infrastructure projects. Engaging citizens in the monitoring and evaluation of road quality can foster greater accountability among contractors and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively. Additionally, it empowers residents to take an active role in the development of their city, promoting transparency and trust between the government and the community.

In summary, the GBA's proposal for longer maintenance contracts for Bengaluru's key roads represents a significant shift in urban infrastructure management. By exploring the hybrid annuity model, the authority aims to improve road quality and reduce the frequency of repairs, thereby enhancing the overall commuting experience for residents. However, the success of this initiative will depend not only on the implementation of new contracting strategies but also on the active participation of citizens in monitoring and ensuring the quality of the work performed. As Bengaluru continues to grow and evolve, the effectiveness of such measures will be closely scrutinized, both within the city and in other urban centers across India that are grappling with similar infrastructure challenges. The outcome of this proposal could serve as a model for future urban planning and infrastructure management strategies in developing cities worldwide.