Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has promised to resolve the city's longstanding road issues, announcing a deadline of November to fill all potholes across Bengaluru.

The assurance, which echoes similar pledges in previous years, comes amid growing frustration from residents and businesses, as Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure continues to tarnish the city’s image.

“We have given an ultimatum to contractors and engineers to repair potholes by November. Our government is committed to providing a clean Bengaluru and also ensure smooth movement of vehicles,” Shivakumar stated in a post on X.

He said that asphalting works covering 349 km across 182 roads are underway at an estimated cost of Rs 649 crore. “I have directed officials to complete this project quickly so that there are no potholes or instances of waterlogging,” he added.

In addition, the Deputy CM highlighted that 178 roads, covering about 401 kilometers, are currently under the Defect Liability Period (DLP). Contractors responsible for these roads have been instructed to maintain them and ensure that no potholes develop.

The post, published on X, has received mixed reactions from the public. One user remarked, “Deadlines have been set countless times over the years, but the situation keeps worsening. This November will likely pass with little change.” The user further suggested that ward incharges be rewarded for filling all potholes or suspended if they fail to meet the target.

Another user proposed that the government provide a 50 percent rebate on property tax if the GBA and the corporations fail to meet the deadline.

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Kochi (Kerala) (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday announced that a multimodal cargo network integrating air, road, rail, and water routes will be established, with CIAL serving as its primary hub.

He was speaking while inaugurating the plenary session of the International Cargo Business Summit, organised by CIAL in association with FICCI, marking the 25th anniversary of Cochin International Airport Limited's cargo department.

The chief minister inaugurated the event by moving a gear lever on a cockpit model installed on the stage.

Vijayan stated that CIAL is striving to create a business environment favourable to Kerala's economic growth beyond just functioning as an airport.

He noted that CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonne of cargo in the last financial year, and this is expected to rise to 74,000 tonne in the current fiscal year.

CIAL has provided a 50 per cent dividend to its investors and stands as a model for the entire country through its operations. Construction of three bridges benefiting four panchayats is also underway.

Furthermore, CIAL has begun the process of obtaining certification for handling pharmaceutical products, which will commence immediately upon approval.

In his presidential address, State Industries Minister P Rajeev mentioned that prominent global companies establishing logistics parks near CIAL would allow for greater utilisation of the airport's cargo potential.

He added that the presence of large-scale companies reflects the growth rate of cargo movement in the region.

The chief minister honoured institutions that demonstrated excellence in cargo exports during the ceremony.

CIAL Managing Director S Suhas delivered the welcome speech.

CIAL Cargo Department Head Satheesh Kumar R Pai delivered the vote of thanks.