Tejasvi Surya.
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: LS Tejasvi Surya, Bangalore South MP, expressed outrage over the state of the city’s infrastructure after attending the TCS World 10K run on Sunday morning.
Calling it a "disgrace” to the city’s image, he said the appalling condition of roads in the Central Business District (CBD) — supposedly the best-maintained — was no different from the pothole-ridden streets in more neglected areas.
"Not a single stretch was free of potholes. Many runners stumbled, sprained their ankles, and some even got injured. Senior citizens struggled to walk without risking a fall. Wheelchair participants had to be assisted throughout the route — not because of their condition, but because of our city’s unforgiving infrastructure,” Surya said in a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter).
In his post, the parliamentarian also highlighted numerous garbage dumps and broken footpaths scattered along the route.
"This painted a very poor image of Brand Bengaluru," he said, adding that many runners look forward to this event for years. “They train, travel, and participate with excitement. What we offered them was an obstacle course instead of a world-class experience. We were hosting a Gold Label event, yet every road in the city looked like a construction site — dusty, potholed, and lifeless.”
Holding the minister in charge of Bengaluru and the BBMP commissioner directly responsible for the state of affairs, he said the city deserves better.
"I urge you to take this matter seriously, not just for the sake of the TCS 10K or marathons, but for every citizen of Bengaluru who negotiates these roads daily,” Surya said.