Vinod M Jain
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has imposed a ₹3 lakh penalty on the project consultant and contractor responsible for the improper installation of electricity poles at the Palace Guttahalli Junction on Ballari Road, following an inspection ordered by Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
The action comes after the Minister, while travelling along Ballari Road on July 31, 2026,personally inspected ongoing work at the junction and found that the newly installed electricity poles were being placed without adhering to prescribed technical standards or a scientifically determined spacing pattern.
Taking serious exception to the manner in which the work was being executed, the Minister directed officials to immediately inspect the work and ensure that the poles were installed strictly in accordance with the approved design and technical specifications.
Site inspection confirms violation of technical specifications:
Acting on the Minister’s directions,GBA officials conducted a detailed site inspection on September 3, along with the Director (Technical),B-SMILE, Chief Engineer-01,B-SMILE,and Project Engineer-01,B-SMILE.
The inspection found that the electricity poles had indeed been installed in an unscientific manner and contrary to the prescribed design and technical specifications.
Following the findings,show-cause notices were issued on September 4 to the concerned Assistant Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer of B-SMILE,seeking an explanation for the lapses.
Consultant fined ₹1 lakh;contractor ₹2 lakh:
The GBA has also fixed responsibility on the agencies executing the work.
* M/s Siddhishakti Pvt. Ltd.,Project Consultant — ₹1 lakh penalty.
* M/s JMC Constructions,Contractor — ₹2 lakh penalty.
The penalties have been imposed for lapses in quality control and compliance with prescribed technical standards.
Improperly installed poles to be removed and reinstalled:
The concerned agencies have been strictly directed to rectify the faulty installation immediately and reinstall the electricity poles in accordance with the prescribed standards and technical specifications.
GBA signals zero tolerance for lapses in civic infrastructure:
The GBA has made it clear that quality, safety and adherence to technical standards will not be compromised in major road and infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.
The action is part of the Authority’s effort to ensure that infrastructure works are executed according to approved designs and specifications, with responsibility fixed wherever lapses are detected.
