Bengaluru’s white-topping works slow as government diverts funds for immediate asphalting

The Karnataka government has approved the diversion of over ₹1,200 crore from white-topping and buffer road projects to fast-track asphalting, citing public anger over poor road conditions.

The pace of Bengaluru’s ongoing white-topping projects is expected to reduce significantly after the Karnataka government decided to divert a portion of its funding to immediate road asphalting. The decision comes amid growing criticism from citizens about deteriorating road conditions and traffic congestion across major stretches.

Last week, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the release of ₹1,241.57 crore for road infrastructure upgrades across all urban corporations. The proposal, moved through the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), highlighted the urgent need to restore damaged arterial and sub-arterial roads and improve commuter movement.

Also Read:Bengaluru: Private bank employee found dead at Girinagar home amid marital dispute

However, the Finance Department approved the proposal with a key condition, that a part of the funds previously reserved for white-topping and buffer road projects would be diverted. The government currently bears a liability of ₹4,200 crore for white-topping and ₹2,400 crore for buffer roads this financial year. Beyond 2025-26, the department has agreed to allocate ₹3,000 crore annually for the same.

Officials said the ₹1,241-crore allocation serves similar objectives to white-topping, ensuring smoother traffic flow and improved connectivity, which justifies the diversion. However, experts note that both white-topping and asphalting have failed to offer long-term durability, though white-topping has shown slightly better results in past evaluations.

At present, B-SMILE, the city’s special purpose vehicle for infrastructure, is carrying out 150 km of white-topping work worth about ₹1,700 crore. This includes ongoing construction on J.C. Road, which has led to massive congestion in central Bengaluru. Similar disruptions are expected soon along Kengal Hanumanthaiah Road, where three new white-topping packages are scheduled to begin.

Also Read:Slow start for Bengaluru’s B-khata regularisation drive despite government push

Traffic police officials have already expressed concerns about executing multiple projects simultaneously, fearing citywide gridlocks. Earlier, they had restricted permissions for simultaneous works around J.C. Road to avoid severe bottlenecks. Yet, many parts of the city,  including Panathur Road, BEL Road, and several stretches in the eastern corridors, are already witnessing delays, diversions, and daily congestion due to prolonged infrastructure works.

With the latest decision, the government hopes to quickly asphalt key damaged roads and provide short-term relief to commuters.