By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 25 Sep,2025

A Familiar Story of Neglect

Potholes are not new to Bengaluru. Every monsoon, the city’s roads crumble under the combined weight of heavy rainfall, poor drainage, and questionable construction practices. Despite repeated promises of permanent fixes, the issue resurfaces year after year, sometimes with tragic consequences.

This time, instead of resurfacing entire stretches of broken roads, civic bodies attempted quick patchwork fixes—small bits of tar and gravel applied directly on damaged sections. Unfortunately, residents say the work is so poorly done that the potholes resurface within days, leaving commuters exposed to accidents and endless traffic snarls.

Social Media Backlash

The backlash began when pictures of the so-called repairs were shared online. The images showed uneven, poorly leveled surfaces where potholes had been filled hastily without proper groundwork. Citizens mocked the effort, calling it a “band-aid on a deep wound.”

One user posted: “If roads are repaired like this, can we also pay property tax in patchwork installments?” Another sarcastically commented: “Looks like they are preparing a speed-breaker, not a road repair.”

The trend quickly gained traction, with hashtags like #BengaluruPotholes, #PatchworkRepair, and #TaxInstallments trending locally. The sarcasm reflects more than just humor—it highlights deep-seated frustration with civic negligence.

Safety Concerns for Commuters

Behind the jokes lies a very real concern: road safety. Poorly maintained roads and half-hearted repairs pose serious risks, especially for two-wheeler riders. Bengaluru has witnessed multiple accidents, some fatal, due to potholes.

Local resident groups argue that the patchwork repairs are not just ineffective but dangerous. A miscalculated turn, sudden braking, or hitting an uneven patch at night can easily lead to injuries. Critics accuse civic authorities of ignoring the human cost behind poor-quality work.

The Taxpayer’s Dilemma

The sarcastic remark about paying taxes in installments has struck a chord because it underlines a broader truth: residents feel they are not getting value for the taxes they pay. Bengaluru is among India’s highest tax-paying cities, with significant revenue collected through property tax, road tax, and fuel cess.

Yet, citizens argue that the basic expectation of good roads remains unmet. “We pay premium taxes, but what we get in return are roads that don’t survive even one monsoon. Where is the accountability?” asked a resident during a civic forum discussion.

Authorities Respond

Faced with mounting criticism, local civic bodies have defended the repairs as “temporary measures” while promising more long-term road projects. Officials claim that weather conditions and time constraints often force them into quick fixes, with proper resurfacing scheduled later.

However, residents are skeptical. Many argue that this explanation is repeated every year but little changes in reality. Activists are now demanding public audits of road contracts, transparency in fund allocation, and stricter penalties for contractors delivering substandard work.

Why Potholes Keep Returning

Experts say Bengaluru’s recurring pothole problem is the result of multiple factors:

1. Poor Quality Materials – Contractors often cut corners, using substandard tar and gravel that cannot withstand rainfall.

2. Unscientific Methods – Repairs are done without proper groundwork, drainage, or compaction, causing them to fail quickly.

3. Corruption and Lack of Oversight – Allegations of inflated contracts and weak monitoring continue to haunt road projects.

4. Rapid Urbanization – Heavy traffic, coupled with rising vehicle numbers, accelerates road damage in a city already struggling with congestion.

Unless these root causes are addressed, experts warn that Bengaluru will continue to face the same cycle of potholes and patchwork.

The People’s Voice

Community groups and resident welfare associations (RWAs) are stepping up efforts to hold authorities accountable. Many are filing Right to Information (RTI) applications to seek details of road maintenance contracts. Others are planning peaceful protests to demand better infrastructure.

“Citizens are tired of hollow promises. If the system won’t deliver, we will keep asking uncomfortable questions,” said a member of a local civic group.

The viral tax comment has, in many ways, given people a unifying slogan. It reflects not only frustration but also a call for equality—if services are patchy, why should payments be consistent?

Looking Ahead: Solutions Needed

For Bengaluru to overcome its pothole nightmare, experts suggest a three-pronged approach:

• Strict Accountability – Road contractors must be held legally responsible for poor work, with financial penalties for repeated failures.

• Scientific Repairs – Modern techniques like cold mix asphalt, geo-grid reinforcement, and proper drainage systems should replace outdated methods.

• Citizen Participation – Transparency portals where residents can track projects and report poor work could help reduce corruption.

Some activists are also pushing for smart city models, where real-time data collection highlights road issues before they become hazards.

Conclusion

The Bengaluru pothole patchwork controversy is more than just a trending topic—it is a symbol of citizens’ growing impatience with poor governance and lack of accountability. Sarcastic remarks like “Let’s pay taxes in installments” are not just jokes but sharp reminders of the widening trust gap between taxpayers and civic bodies.

As India’s tech capital, Bengaluru deserves world-class infrastructure. Until authorities shift from temporary fixes to long-term solutions, however, the pothole problem will remain a recurring nightmare—one that no witty tweet or patchwork of tar can truly cover.