BBMP Gives Green Light To White-Topping Project On 150 km Of Bengaluru Roads

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to undertake a significant infrastructure upgrade, with plans to commence white topping on approximately 150 kilometers of city roads. According to BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, the project is expected to begin soon, with 13 out of 15 planned packages already finalized and contractors mobilized. The remaining two packages are pending government approval.

A crucial aspect of the project's success lies in the smooth relocation of essential utilities such as water and sewer pipes, electrical cables, and gas lines. Nath said the importance of coordinating with agencies like BWSSB, BESCOM, KPTCL, and GAIL to prevent damage to newly laid roads after completion.

Key roads slated for white topping include Tannery Road, Mosque Road, DJ Halli main road, and Bull Temple Road, among others. The initiative also involves installing utility ducts alongside these roads to enable future maintenance without disrupting traffic flow. Interestingly, most of the roads selected are in the constituencies of Congress MLAs.

Traffic management poses a significant challenge during the works. Nath stressed the need for close collaboration with traffic police to implement alternative routes and minimize congestion. Chief Engineer Prahlad estimates that operations will cover approximately 150 kilometers across the city, running day and night.

The Karnataka government's approval of Rs 800 crore for this project underscores its importance in addressing Bengaluru's longstanding road infrastructure issues. Previous phases have already seen 145 kilometers of roads white-topped under earlier urban development plans, making this new phase a significant step forward in improving the city's infrastructure.

What is white-topping?

White-topping involves replacing traditional black-top or bitumen-asphalted roads with a layer of concrete. This concrete layer is believed to be more durable, aiming to prevent potholes. Concrete roads promise a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, offering greater longevity compared to asphalt roads, which need re-tarring every three to four years. The BBMP began advocating for white-topping in Bengaluru in 2016, following the TenderSure model. They assert that white-topping provides a long-term solution to the city's persistent pothole issues, which have plagued Bengaluru for several decades.