Is Bengaluru Really the 'City of Potholes' After IT Firm's Exit?

Bengaluru, Sep 18 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, strongly criticized the Karnataka government on Thursday regarding the dire state of infrastructure that has prompted an IT firm to relocate from the Outer Ring Road (ORR) area of Bengaluru.

Kumaraswamy expressed his dismay on X, stating, "The once esteemed city of Bengaluru, founded by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, is now suffering a significant decline in its reputation. It is disheartening to see Bengaluru gaining a notorious label as the 'City of Potholes.'

"Industries are losing confidence in Karnataka and are shifting to neighboring states that are eagerly presenting incentives to lure them away. This government seems oblivious to the severity of the situation, its awareness completely dulled.

"To the industries, I implore you: do not abandon Bengaluru. This city is rich in legacy and cultural heritage. We will make this government accountable. We, the people of Karnataka, stand united with you. Erase any thoughts of departing: together, we will restore Bengaluru," Kumaraswamy urged.

"We will rejuvenate Bengaluru to its former glory," he emphasized.

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are culpable for this shameful state of affairs. Currently, Bengaluru and Karnataka are under the control of the incompetent and corrupt. Every turn reveals treacherous potholes and mountains of waste. Is this what they term 'Greater Bengaluru'? What is the BBMP doing with taxpayers’ funds while accomplishing nothing?"

He continued, "Industrialists are justified in labeling this a complete breakdown of governance. You don’t need a mirror to recognize a festering wound. For the first time in history, industries have openly revealed the government’s shortcomings."

"When it comes to imposing taxes, this government operates with incredible speed. However, when it comes to repairing potholes, it moves as slowly as a tortoise. There is blatant disregard for development. The state’s progress has been sacrificed for election promises, as Greater Bengaluru is deteriorating," Kumaraswamy remarked.

"A government that claims it lacks the funds to repair potholes must explain: where is the taxpayers’ money going? The public deserves answers," Kumaraswamy insisted.

In response to the announcement by the Co-Founder and CEO of BlackBuck regarding their plans to exit Bengaluru's ORR area due to inadequate road infrastructure, industry leaders voiced their concerns and urged the Karnataka government to take immediate action.

Padma Shree awardee Mohandas Pai and Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw reacted on Wednesday and in a social media post, Pai tagged Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also responsible for Bengaluru's development, urging him to rectify the road conditions.

“A significant, significant failure of governance in Bengaluru. Look, companies are leaving the ORR. The situation is despairing. Please intervene,” stated former Infosys CFO Pai.

Reposting Pai’s message, Mazumdar-Shaw remarked, “This is serious. Urgent measures are required to address these issues.”

Rajesh Yabaji, Co-Founder and CEO of BlackBuck, who operates from the Bellandur ORR stretch in Bengaluru, expressed disappointment over the condition of the roads and announced on Tuesday that his company will be relocating. However, he did not specify the new location.

In a post on X, Rajesh Yabaji stated, "ORR Bellandur has been our office and home for the last 9 years. But, it has become exceedingly difficult to remain here; we have decided to leave."

Explaining his decision, he said, "Background - the average commute for my colleagues has surged to 1.5 hours one way. Roads are filled with potholes and dust, coupled with the lowest intent to get them repaired. I don’t see any of this changing in the next 5 years."

In his post criticizing the government on Wednesday, Pai tagged several officials including the Commissioner of Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for IT and BT Priyank Kharge, and BJP MP P.C. Mohan.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he stated, "Along the ORR road stretch, a 9.5 crore square feet campus has been established, with 8 lakh individuals employed in companies situated there. All major global companies are based here. Any government worldwide would have taken steps to improve roads and provide adequate facilities for this critical stretch. However, the state government is intentionally neglecting Bengaluru."

"I had met the Bengaluru Development Minister six weeks ago and submitted a list of necessary works to be done in Bengaluru, to which he agreed. I emphasized the importance of the ORR stretch as it caters to lakhs of workers. They have also communicated with stakeholders regarding this matter. However, only minor works are being undertaken, with no comprehensive planning," Pai stated.

"The state government has a budget of Rs 4 lakh crore, so why is this stretch of road still in such poor condition? I urge Shivakumar to hold regular meetings with senior officials and obtain weekly reports. We need to instill hope. Daily, people are stuck in traffic for hours. International representatives are reluctant to visit Bengaluru and are opting for places like Noida instead," he remarked.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, addressing the poor road conditions in Bengaluru, stated, "A deadline has been set to fill potholes and submit a report to me in writing. Commissioners have been instructed to share updates from their morning inspections in the city."