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"Extensive potholes causing prolonged travels, CEO of BlackBuck decides to relocate headquarters beyond Bengaluru"

BlackBuck technology company relocating its office from Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road due to deteriorating traffic conditions and infrastructural problems after nine years of operation.

"CEO of BlackBuck complains about poor road conditions and extended travel times, decides to...
"CEO of BlackBuck complains about poor road conditions and extended travel times, decides to relocate headquarters from Bengaluru"

"Extensive potholes causing prolonged travels, CEO of BlackBuck decides to relocate headquarters beyond Bengaluru"

In the bustling city of Bengaluru, concerns over the deteriorating conditions on the Outer Ring Road have reached a boiling point. A number of prominent figures, including Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, and Rajesh Yabaji, the co-founder and CEO of BlackBuck, have expressed their worries and called for immediate measures to address the issue.

The surge in traffic on the Outer Ring Road is a direct result of companies mandating in-office work after years of hybrid arrangements, leading to longer commutes for employees. BlackBuck, a logistics tech platform, has been a significant contributor to this congestion, having been located on the Outer Ring Road for nine years. However, the company has recently announced its decision to move out of the area in 2023.

The average commute for BlackBuck employees has stretched to more than 90 minutes one way, a significant increase from previous years. This prolonged travel time has led to concerns about the impact on productivity and employee well-being.

The Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association, which represents over 500 companies and employs 950,000 people, has urged government intervention to address the issues on the Outer Ring Road. The association's call for action includes improving roads, metro connectivity, and public utilities in Bengaluru.

Krishna Kumar Gowda, the general secretary of the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association, stated that the neglect of infrastructure along the corridor is a critical concern. Gowda has expressed a willingness to collaborate with authorities to restore Bengaluru's status as the tech capital of India.

D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, has responded to these concerns by announcing that Rs 1,100 crore has been allocated for road repair and construction across the city. Shivakumar stated that the funds will be used to ensure every constituency benefits and to build smooth, pothole-free roads.

Mohandas Pai, Infosys CFO and Aarin Capital chairman, has labelled BlackBuck's decision to leave the Outer Ring Road a 'big failure of governance in Bengaluru.' Pai has urged state authorities to act quickly to address the issues and prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

Gowda has also called for a transparent roadmap to improve roads, metro connectivity, and public utilities in Bengaluru. The tech corridor from KR Puram to Silk Board, which contributes 36% of Bengaluru's annual IT revenue, cannot afford to be neglected any longer.

As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that infrastructure keeps pace. The Outer Ring Road corridor, originally built to divert heavy vehicles, has evolved into a dense hub of tech parks and housing. The challenges faced by companies like BlackBuck serve as a stark reminder of the need for action and investment in Bengaluru's infrastructure.

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