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- Sun, 14 December 2025
Bangalore is known as the “Silicon Valley of India” because it is one of the biggest tech hubs for major companies and a place where startups want to begin their journey. This reputation grew because homegrown brands such as Flipkart, Byju’s, Razorpay, Swiggy, and Unacademy became successful.
This has created a “success breeds success” mindset, not only among founders but also among angel investors.
There are several reasons why founders choose to start their businesses in Bangalore. First, the city has a vibrant pool of talent, with top colleges such as IIT-M and IIM-B producing highly skilled graduates.
Second, global tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Wipro have their R&D and innovation centres in the city, which inspire creativity and innovation among employees.
The third reason is easy access to capital.
Many venture capitalists such as Sequoia, Peak XV, Accel, Kalaari Capital, and Elevation Capital are based here, and incubators and accelerators like NASSCOM help channel funds and support to startups. The fourth reason is the Karnataka government’s dedicated Startup Policy, launched in 2015, and “Startup Karnataka,” which offers incentives such as funding support, tax rebates, and innovation hubs.
As Slikk’s founder, Akshay Gulati, noted, people in Bangalore are very receptive to new services, products, and innovations. Such an audience is rare anywhere else in India.
BlackBuck, a digital trucking startup valued at over $1 billion, has decided to vacate its office in Bellandur, Bengaluru, citing unbearable road conditions. The company, which went public in 2024 and has been operating from the tech corridor for nearly a decade, said worsening infrastructure made daily operations unsustainable.
CEO Rajesh Kumar Yabaji explained that the roads surrounding the office are filled with potholes, dust, and uneven surfaces, with little sign of improvement from local authorities. He mentioned in his recent post that
“Average commute for my colleagues shot up to 1.5+ hrs (one way)
Roads full of potholes & dust, coupled with lowest intent to get them rectified
Didn’t see any of this changing in the next 5 years.”
This has triggered fresh debate about Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure, especially along the Outer Ring Road (ORR), home to many IT companies and startups. Once hailed as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the city is now grappling with poor urban planning, traffic congestion, and unfinished infrastructure projects.
Industry veterans like Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys, have called this a failure of governance, warning that such neglect could hurt Bengaluru’s global reputation as a tech capital. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has himself admitted that Bengaluru is “not a planned city,” underlining the urgency of action.
Bengaluru’s pothole issue has been ongoing for several years. Despite efforts by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to repair roads, the problem persists.
In the fiscal year 2024–25, BBMP repaired over 1.78 lakh square meters of potholes, a 63% increase from the previous year. However, many residents report that newly repaired roads develop potholes again within weeks.
Residents and commuters express frustration over the deteriorating road conditions. Over 15,000 pothole complaints were lodged by Bengaluru residents in 2024, but nearly 5,000 of these complaints were rejected by the BBMP, citing repeat issues and ongoing repairs.
BBMP has identified 264 potholes deemed “irreparable,” highlighting the severity of the issue.
Many Redditors express deep frustration with the city’s road conditions. One user described the service roads as “filled with potholes so big, they could fit a 1BHK flat,” highlighting the severity of the issue.
Another noted that despite paying high vehicle registration fees, the roads remain in poor condition, with temporary fixes like loose gravel being applied instead of proper repairs.
The Karnataka government has acknowledged the issue and is taking steps to address it. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has set a deadline for contractors to fill potholes across Bengaluru by November.
Additionally, the government has allocated ₹1,100 crore for road repairs and infrastructure development in the city.
Crowdsourced Reporting Platforms
Residents can use apps or websites to report potholes in real time, creating a live map that highlights problem areas. This helps authorities know where repairs are needed most.
Citizen Monitoring Groups
Local groups or neighbourhood associations can monitor road conditions, share updates, and hold contractors accountable for delays in fixing potholes.
Awareness Campaigns
Residents can raise awareness through social media, highlighting unsafe roads, sharing photos/videos of dangerous areas, and pushing for faster action.
Volunteer Initiatives
Some communities organise safe, small-scale road marking or temporary filling initiatives (with proper materials and safety measures) to reduce accidents until official repairs are done.
Increased Funding for Road Infrastructure
Allocate more resources specifically for road repairs, resurfacing, and long-term infrastructure upgrades. Bengaluru has already allocated ₹1,100 crore, but continued investment is necessary.
Better Planning and Maintenance
Implement scheduled inspections and regular maintenance to prevent potholes from forming after minor rains or traffic wear.
Use of Durable Materials
Adopt modern, long-lasting road construction techniques and materials to reduce the need for frequent repairs.
Accountability and Monitoring
Hold contractors and civic bodies accountable for delays or poor-quality repairs. Public dashboards showing repair status and deadlines can help track progress.
Coordination Across Agencies
Coordinate between water, sewerage, and metro construction departments to repair roads properly and prevent recurring damage from underground work.
Safety Measures
Immediately barricade dangerous open pits and potholes, with clear signage to prevent accidents while repairs are pending.
Bengaluru’s pothole problem is more than just a minor inconvenience; it affects daily commuting, public safety, and the city’s reputation as a top hub for startups and businesses.
Despite government efforts and large budgets, the problem continues due to poor planning, recurring damage, and insufficient maintenance.
A long-term solution requires a combined effort. The government must invest in durable infrastructure, coordinate between departments, and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, residents and community groups can play an active role by reporting potholes, raising awareness, and monitoring repair work.
Only through this shared responsibility can Bengaluru hope to have safer, smoother roads and maintain its status as India’s Silicon Valley.
[Credits for header image: TransBank
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. This has been constituted based on third-party sources. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on this information.]
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