White topping of good roads makes no sense

Sir,

The decision of the Mysuru City Corporation to undertake white topping of several major roads certainly deserves appreciation.

The initiative promises durable road infrastructure, reduced maintenance costs and fewer disruptions due to repairs for the next two to three decades. Such foresight in urban planning is commendable.

However, what leaves citizens perplexed is the urgency with which white topping has been taken up on roads that were still in good condition and had substantial residual life.

Many of these stretches were functioning satisfactorily and did not warrant immediate replacement. While the long-term benefits of white topping cannot be disputed, replacing serviceable roads raises concerns about whether public funds are being utilised judiciously.

A more prudent approach would have been to identify roads that had reached the end of their useful life or had deteriorated significantly and prioritise them for white topping.

Funds could have been earmarked in advance and works executed only when reconstruction was genuinely required.

Prematurely dismantling roads in reasonably good condition not only results in avoidable expenditure but also inconveniences the public unnecessarily.

It is therefore urged that, in future, the authorities undertake a comprehensive technical assessment of existing road conditions before initiating such major works. This will ensure that public funds are deployed most effectively, while also sparing citizens needless disruption.

—Dr. G. Rathnakar

Mysuru

23.6.2026