George blames commuters for accidents on city roads

Bengaluru Development Minister K J George has held commuters responsible for the rise in accidents on Bengaluru roads.

Replying to BJP MLC Ramachandra Gowda in the Legislative Council on Thursday, George said the commuters were to be blamed for their "rash" and "negligent" driving.

Gowda had said that the recently laid white-topped roads were causing accidents.

The government has opted cement roads over asphalted roads, as the concrete roads were more durable and long-lasting. Unlike tar roads, which could be damaged due to heavy rain, the white-topped roads would last for 30 to 35 years, the minister added.

He said while there was the over speeding problem by those with high-end cars, the very process of issuing driver's license was skewed in the country.

George said Bengaluru had received more than 600 mm of rain in a matter of a few days last year, as against the annual rainfall of 900 mm, which had resulted in damage to roads.

The government had sanctioned Rs 2,100 crore in 2015-16 and 2016-17 to repair the roads damaged due to rain, he added.