Bengaluru road users back asphalt over concrete for Rs 450 crore Outer Ring Road revamp

Public consultation on Rs 450 crore redevelopment of 17.1 km Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch from Silk Board to KR Pura saw majority backing asphalt over concrete whitetopping.

Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-Smile) draft DPR proposed whitetopping, but residents and commuters argued asphalt can be laid faster with less disruption on congested corridor.

Concerns included prolonged construction period for whitetopping worsening traffic for lakhs of daily ORR users, plus water percolation and drainage issues with concrete.

Asphalt offers quicker construction but higher life-cycle costs; whitetopping has lifespan of 25-30 years but requires longer construction period causing significant traffic disruption.

Consultation convened by Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda; decision on surfacing material pending.