Bengaluru's Pothole Predicament: Ex-Top Cop's 'Deflate Tyres' Advice Sparks Outrage

Bengaluru, a city synonymous with innovation and progress, often finds its reputation marred by an ever-present, jarring reality: its notorious potholes. These treacherous craters, scattered across its vast road network, have long been a source of exasperation, accidents, and a constant reminder of neglected urban infrastructure.

Yet, amid this chronic civic challenge, a piece of advice recently offered by former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and current AAP leader, Bhaskar Rao, has not only failed to assuage public frustration but has instead ignited a firestorm of criticism and incredulity.

Rao's suggestion, delivered via social media, was ostensibly a practical tip for motorists: "To deal with potholes, reduce tyre pressure by 2 to 3 PSI for a smoother ride.

Increase it again once you are on good roads." While perhaps intended as a temporary comfort measure, the advice was swiftly and widely condemned, perceived by many as a shocking evasion of responsibility and a superficial 'solution' to a deeply ingrained problem that demands robust engineering and consistent maintenance.

The public backlash was immediate and fierce.

Citizens, weary of the daily struggle to navigate cratered roads, expressed their outrage. Social media platforms brimmed with sarcastic remarks and pointed questions: "Why not just buy a helicopter?" quipped one user, while another sarcastically suggested, "Let's put air bags on our heads instead of fixing roads." The sentiment was clear: people expect their leaders to find permanent solutions to civic problems, not offer stop-gap measures that shift the burden onto individual citizens, potentially compromising their safety and vehicle longevity.

Road safety experts were quick to weigh in, unequivocally dismissing Rao's advice as not only unhelpful but potentially dangerous.

They highlighted several critical concerns: reduced tyre pressure significantly increases the contact patch of the tyre with the road, leading to higher rolling resistance. This not only diminishes fuel efficiency but also causes excessive heat build-up within the tyre, accelerating wear and tear, and crucially, increasing the risk of a blowout, especially at higher speeds.

Furthermore, under-inflated tyres can severely compromise a vehicle's handling and braking capabilities, making it more difficult to control, particularly for two-wheelers, which are already highly vulnerable on pothole-ridden roads.

The controversy underscores a profound and ongoing failure of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city's civic body, to deliver safe and motorable roads.

Year after year, promises of pothole-free roads remain largely unfulfilled, leaving residents to contend with a perilous commute. Rao's statement, rather than providing relief, inadvertently brought into sharp focus the deep-seated public anger over governmental inaction and the perceived trivialization of a serious safety concern.

Ultimately, the "deflate your tyres" fiasco serves as a stark reminder that citizens are not looking for workarounds for systemic failures.

They demand accountability, transparent governance, and effective infrastructure management. The incident has solidified the call for genuine solutions: comprehensive road repairs, durable construction, and proactive maintenance, rather than suggestions that place the onus of adaptation onto the very people who are most affected by the city's crumbling infrastructure.