"'Riddled with potholes, journeys prolonged to over 90 minutes': BlackBuck CEO's take on relocating headquarters beyond Bangalore'
In a significant development, logistics tech platform BlackBuck has announced its decision to move its office out of Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road (ORR) after nine years. This move comes amidst growing concerns over traffic congestion and infrastructure issues in the city.
The ORR, originally built to divert heavy vehicles, has evolved into a dense hub of tech parks and housing, worsening congestion. The surge in traffic on the ORR is due to companies mandating in-office work after years of hybrid arrangements, leading to increased commuting times for employees.
Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai have expressed their concerns over the infrastructure issues on the ORR. Mazumdar-Shaw, in particular, has pointed out the poor condition of the roads near BlackBuck's current office, which are full of potholes and dust, with little intent to fix them. The average commute for BlackBuck employees has stretched to more than 90 minutes one way.
Krishna Kumar Gowda, general secretary of the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association, has stated that the neglect of infrastructure along the corridor has become a critical concern. He called for a transparent roadmap to improve roads, metro connectivity, and public utilities in Bengaluru.
The tech corridor from KR Puram to Silk Board employs 950,000 people across 500 companies. Rajesh Yabaji, co-founder and CEO of BlackBuck, does not see any improvement in traffic and infrastructure issues in the next five years.
In response to these concerns, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced an allocation of Rs 1,100 crore for road repair and construction across the city. Shivakumar stated that the funds will be used to ensure every constituency benefits from the repairs and to build smooth, pothole-free roads.
Shivakumar's announcement comes after Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai labelled BlackBuck's decision to move offices a 'big failure of governance in Bengaluru'. Pai urged state authorities to act promptly to address the infrastructure issues and restore Bengaluru's status as the tech capital of India.
Gowda reiterated the association's willingness to collaborate with authorities to restore Bengaluru's status as the tech capital of India. He called for a collective effort to address the infrastructure challenges and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
As BlackBuck leaves Bengaluru, the city's authorities are under pressure to address the infrastructure issues and prevent similar exodus of tech companies in the future. The move serves as a wake-up call for the authorities to prioritise infrastructure development and maintain Bengaluru's position as a leading tech hub in the country.
Read also:
- Mural at blast site in CDMX commemorates Alicia Matías, sacrificing life for granddaughter's safety
- Comcast Introduces Sports-Oriented Video Bundle in Preparation for the World Cup Tournament
- Is Maruti's reign over the SUV market being challenged by Mahindra's aggressive move to snatch the top spot?
- Social Security Administration Abandons Plan for Electronic Payments: Important Information for Recipients of Benefits
