Bengaluru to Add 450 Kilometres of White Topped Roads

29 Jun 2026 CW Team

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE) is preparing a blueprint to white-top an additional 450 kilometres of roads across Bengaluru at an estimated cost of Rs 30 billion (Rs 30 bn).

The plan aims to expand the city’s network of concrete roads to address chronic pothole complaints and reduce long-term maintenance demands.

Officials said the programme follows a review meeting led by the Greater Bengaluru Development Minister.

The document will form the basis for detailed project reports and cost planning.

The minister conveyed that concrete roads offer a longer lasting solution and noted that a kilometre of white-topped road costs around Rs 100 million (Rs 100 mn), compared with about Rs 40 million (Rs 40 mn) for a bituminous surface.

He explained that although the initial investment is higher, white-topped roads typically have a life of twenty to thirty years and lower recurring maintenance requirements.

He also indicated that footpaths would be improved under the same scheme.

Officials emphasised that lifecycle costs were a central consideration in the assessment.

The minister argued that poor road design has left seven to eight feet of space between the service road and the main carriageway unused, and he urged planners to address such inefficiencies in the blueprint.

B-SMILE officials were reported to have discussed standards for concrete laying, jointing and drainage to ensure longevity.

The review covered cost estimates, maintenance regimes and integration with existing urban infrastructure plans.

The proposal to add 450 kilometres of white-topped carriageways is presented as a long-term investment in city resilience and commuter safety.

Officials indicated that the higher upfront cost could be offset by reduced repair cycles and better pedestrian amenities.

The authority will finalise the blueprint and proceed to detailed project reports before initiating work.

Stakeholders will be engaged during blueprint finalisation to coordinate delivery.

Infrastructure Transport

29 Jun 2026

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