Mangaluru, often hailed as a fast-growing coastal hub, is facing mounting criticism over its deteriorating road infrastructure. Persistent potholes across arterial routes have not only disrupted daily commutes but also raised concerns about road safety, governance, and urban planning. Despite repeated repair efforts and budget allocations, residents argue that quick-fix solutions fail to provide lasting relief. Civic bodies now face increasing pressure to adopt modern, durable methods of road maintenance. The situation has reached a critical juncture, where public frustration has transformed into a wider debate about accountability, transparency, and the city’s vision for sustainable development.
Mounting Public Anger Over Road Conditions
Commuters across Mangaluru are voicing growing dissatisfaction with the state of city roads. Potholes have multiplied after recent rains, creating hazards for motorists, especially two-wheeler riders. Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos highlighting unsafe stretches, turning potholes into a recurring civic embarrassment. Citizens claim that despite spending crores of rupees, the municipal administration has failed to provide a long-term remedy.
Financial Strain and Governance Concerns
According to civic reports, funds in excess of Rs. 10 crore have been allocated for road repairs in the past two years. Yet, the recurring nature of the problem raises questions about financial prudence and accountability. Experts suggest that substandard materials, inadequate supervision, and hurried contracts contribute to poor outcomes. Critics argue that these repeated expenditures represent not investment but wastage, as the same stretches are repaired multiple times within a year.
Safety Risks and Economic Impact
The pothole menace goes beyond inconvenience. Medical practitioners report a rise in accident-related injuries linked to bad roads. Transporters and businesses, too, bear financial losses due to vehicle damage and delivery delays. For a city aspiring to be a logistics and educational hub, such infrastructural failings undermine economic competitiveness. Road safety advocates insist that poorly maintained roads are not merely an issue of inconvenience but a systemic threat to lives and livelihoods.
Demand for Structural Reforms
Urban planners recommend shifting from patchwork repairs to comprehensive road redevelopment, including stronger drainage systems to withstand monsoon damage. Citizens are urging the adoption of globally tested technologies such as cold-mix asphalt, geo-grid reinforcements, and third-party quality audits. Greater transparency in contract awards and stricter penalties for non-compliance are also being demanded. Experts emphasize that only systemic reforms—not cosmetic fixes—can restore public trust.
A Call for Political Will
While authorities frequently promise swift action, residents argue that solutions remain superficial. Civic activists warn that unless political will aligns with citizen welfare, Mangaluru’s infrastructure challenges will persist. The debate is no longer about potholes alone—it is about governance, accountability, and the city’s readiness to meet the demands of a modern economy.
Comments