District In-charge Minister R Ramalinga Reddy inspected Lalbagh, Siddapur and V V Puram Main Road on Monday. He said 260 arterial roads will be improved at a cost of Rs 560 crore by May.

Reddy, along with Mayor B S Sathyanarayana, inspected ongoing works on these roads. He said  26 roads have been developed already and works on 22 other roads are  in progress.

Some roads will be blacktopped after the work on drains and footpaths are completed. The officials have been directed to make roads and footpaths peoplefriendly, he added.

Reddy said the government has already released `300 crore for the works and  Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be requested for additional funds to improve infrastructure across the city.

“If the government releases additional funds, sub-arterial roads too will be asphalted,” he said.

The minister blamed heavy rainfall for the poor condition of the roads. “Besides, asphalting was not taken up for the last three years. Incessant rains compounded the problems faced by road users. Hence, the government needs more time and funds to complete the works,” Reddy maintained.

He assured that the Mayor too will conduct regular inspections and ensure that the works progress.

Sathyanarayana said  daily reports are being sought from engineers to ensure quality of the works.