'BBMP spent Rs 1,218 crore on 1,706-km roads'

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has spent Rs 1,218 crore on 1,706 km-long roads in the City which could not withstand incessant rains in the last 15 days, claimed BJP leader N R Ramesh.

Addressing a press conference, Ramesh, a former corporator, said these roads are still under maintenance for two or three years, depending on the thickness of the asphalt.

As per the tender condition, contractors shall have to maintain the road for three years on which 40 mm bituminous layer has been laid, whereas layer below 40 mm have a maintenance period of two years.

However, the contractors are not maintaining them. Instead, the Palike has decided to fill potholes spending money from its pocket.

The Palike has spent Rs 600 crore on filling potholes this year, which were washed away in the recent rains. Potholes on a road in front of Lalit Ashok Hotel were filled just before the recent rains. The bitumen has washed away and potholes had resurfaced, claimed Ramesh.

Ramesh said he had lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force against 41 contractors for shoddy works.