Accordingly, unauthorised cutting of Bus Route roads will attract a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the contractor, agency or individual concerned, while a fine of Rs 1 lakh will be levied for similar violations on interior roads. Machinery and equipment used for such unauthorised works will also be liable for confiscation.

The Corporation is responsible for maintaining 488 Bus Route roads that are 418.56 km long, and 35,978 interior roads spanning 5,653.89 km within its jurisdiction. The civic body noted that unauthorised road cutting by service departments, utility agencies, optic fibre cable laying agencies, gas pipeline contractors and private individuals has resulted in damage to civic roads, inconvenience to the public, traffic disruptions, safety concerns and repeated expenditure on restoration and maintenance.

It also observed that in several cases, even after obtaining permission from civic authorities, road cutting works were not completed within the stipulated time, leading to prolonged damage to road surfaces, continued public inconvenience, traffic congestion and additional financial burden on the Corporation.

The fines will apply to all service departments, utility agencies, contractors, companies and individuals undertaking road cutting works on GCC-maintained roads.