A new QR code appears on road signboards in South zone, Bangalore; gives details of the road, contact numbers of civic officials and contractors in charge of the road

The route facts, contact information for local authorities and contractors in charge of the road can be fetched by scanning a new QR code that appears on road signboards in the South zone. The webpage that citizens can access by scanning the QR code contains the names and contact numbers of officials and contractors in charge of road engineering, the sweeper assigned to the street, the sweeping supervisor, the details of waste generated, the garbage collector, officials in charge of street lights and fogging of the street, BWSSB officials in charge of water supply and sanitary issues on the road, officers in charge of dealing with stray dog and cow menace on the street, prunin officials in charge of dealing with stray dog and cow

The 'Road Reader' initiative began as a trial in the South zone. Many locals have praised the project, which will likely be expanded across Bengaluru soon, according to city officials.

"These QR codes are pasted on signboards," stated Jayaram Raipura, Special Commissioner, South Zone. Citizens may scan them to access a website that has all of the necessary information about the road as well as the contact information for all civic officials and contractors. This would improve citizens' access to services as a means of grievance redressal, as well as people' ability to hold authorities and contractors responsible. When authorities are moved or contractors change, the backend may be updated while the QR Code remains unchanged." 

The project's implementation in the South zone cost only Rs. 15 lakh. According to reports, the cost of installing it across Bengaluru is likely to be over 1.2 crore.

While the project is a welcome citizen-friendly endeavour, civic activist N. S. Mukunda of Bengaluru Praja Vedike, a resident of South zone, emphasised that more needs to be done to truly make it a true instrument of transparency, to assist residents hold the municipal body accountable.

"Ideally, the webpage should include the entire road history." We need to know what work has been done on the road, as well as if the road is covered by the Defect Liability Period.  This will assist citizens in being watchful and attempting to prevent corruption. "Whenever someone is granted permission to dig a road, the information should be posted on the relevant webpage," he proposed. Including contact information for persons in charge of the road at other agencies, such as Bescom and city plice, will also be beneficial.