White-topping projects likely to slow down as immediate asphalting gains priority

White-topping projects are likely to slow down in the city, as the Finance Department has approved diverting funds earmarked for the projects towards immediate asphalting.

Last week, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the release of ₹1,241.57 crore for road infrastructure development across all corporations. The proposal, moved through the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), stated, “There has been extensive backlash from citizens over the poor condition of arterial and sub-arterial roads. Immediate infrastructure development can ease congestion and ensure smoother commutes.” However, the Finance Department approved the current proposal on the condition that allocations for either white-topping or buffer roads, both under Special Infrastructure Projects, would be reduced.

The Finance Department said in the order that the government’s liability for whitetopping in the current financial year stands at ₹4,200 crore, and for buffer roads at ₹2,400 crore. Beyond 2025–26, the department had agreed to allocate ₹3,000 crore annually.

The Finance Department order notes that the current proposal of ₹1,241 crore mirrors the objectives of whitetopping, which is ensuring smoother traffic flow, justifying diversion of funds. However, both asphalting and whitetopping have historically failed to deliver lasting solutions, though the latter is said to have performed slightly better.

Ongoing works and challenges

The B-SMILE, a special purpose vehicle, is executing ongoing white-topping works spanning 150 km, estimated at ₹1,700 crore. This includes a 1.9-km stretch of J.C. Road in the city’s core, which has caused major traffic disruptions.

The commuters in central Bengaluru will soon face similar issues on Kengal Hanumanthaiah Road, as three more white-topping packages around J.C. Road are set to begin. The traffic police had earlier denied permission to white-top all stretches simultaneously, along with J.C. Road, to avoid severe congestion. Prolonged delays are already causing traffic issues as witnessed in the case of Panathur Road, BEL Road, and several more stretches in the eastern part of the city.