Minister Krishna Byre Gowda slams officials over delayed Outer Ring Road work

Late Thursday, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda strongly criticized civic officials over delayed infrastructure development and unresolved civic issues during an inspection of the Outer Ring Road. The minister reviewed the stretch from Lowry to Iblur junctions, which is part of a proposed Rs 400-450 crore comprehensive redevelopment project spanning from Silk Board Junction to the Byappanahalli Metro Station.

During the inspection, Gowda expressed deep frustration with the slow pace of work and questioned why officials required constant intervention to perform their basic duties. He demanded answers from the present civic authorities regarding the delays.

"Why should we come and beg you to do your job? The people are crying… can't you hear? Are you doing us a favour or charity?" Gowda said. "Is it part of your mandate or not? No? If it is your responsibility, why have you not done it? Why should we come and make a request to you or beg you for doing your job? Come on! If it has to be done, why didn't you do it? I don't understand."

The redevelopment of this Outer Ring Road stretch is a major infrastructure plan. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar previously announced plans to reconstruct and modernise the corridor. Because the road is lined with large apartment complexes, commercial establishments, and more than 30 large IT and business parks, the chief minister noted that a thorough study of local conditions and requirements is necessary.

This confrontation marks the second time within a week that Gowda has lost his temper with government officials. Earlier, he admonished Animal Husbandry Department officials for being unprepared during a meeting about the city's stray dog population.

Gowda, who is the MLA for Byatarayanapura, has established a reputation for taking a strict stance against underperforming officers. Last month, he suspended an officer and fined a contractor for substandard road work, warning that he would continue to take disciplinary action if officials and contractors did not perform their jobs properly.