Bengaluru techies protest against 'non-existent roads', locals paying themselves to fix potholes. Videos

In an increasingly common scene in Bengaluru, tech workers and residents of eastern part of the city are now forced to spend their weekends rallying for better roads. Facing daily, punishing commutes, residents are frustrated with deteriorating infrastructure and stalled government response, which has led to calls for accountability from local and state officials.

Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru, a local residential advocacy group on X, highlighted the irony of Bengaluru’s residents who, after long work hours and excruciating traffic delays, must take to the streets to protest.

“The life of a techie in Bengaluru: work 10-12 hours, spend 4-5 hours in traffic on weekdays, and protest for non-existent roads!” the group posted, tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Office of the Special Duty Officer of Karnataka (OSD Karnataka) on social media.

The road they were protesting for! @osd_cmkarnatakapic.twitter.com/k3M6J0wZhd
Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) October 26, 2024

The grievances stem from neglected infrastructure in neighbourhoods such as Gattahalli, Chikkanayakanahalli, and Chambenahalli, where roads remain riddled with potholes and degradation.

The page wrote sharing visuals, "If we have to repair our own roads, then why are we paying more than 60% in direct and indirect taxes?” The frustration is compounded by a statewide ban on public protests, which has forced citizens to take creative approaches to voice their grievances.

Citizens had resorted to this after a mass protest went unanswered! https://t.co/QhUlQHRWXm
Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) October 28, 2024

After a previous large-scale protest failed to yield a response, Chambenahalli residents took matters into their own hands, raising funds to patch up local roads. “The British era was better than this!” the group wrote in frustration. With tax money seemingly unaccounted for in basic infrastructure upkeep, residents continue pressing their case, emphasising the gap between Bengaluru’s branding as a tech hub and the reality of its crumbling roads.

As of now, the outcry has spurred no formal response from elected representatives, including Anekal MLA Shivana, who oversees parts of the affected areas.

In North Bengaluru too, residents of Babusapalya skipped work today to hit the streets, protesting the poor state of roads.

Residents of Babusapalya skipped work this Monday to hit the streets, protesting the poor state of roads. Not a day goes by without citizens raising voices on #Bengalurus infrastructure issues. Will authorities take note? @Bbmpcares @BABasavaraja @thekjgeorge pic.twitter.com/Wfbp3dW98lNorth BangalorePost (@nBangalorepost) October 28, 2024

While the issue of inadequate road infrastructure has simmered for years, residents hope the intensifying protests will bring the matter to the forefront, pushing local officials to finally act.