Bengaluru: The poor state of Bengaluru’s roads, particularly the Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch that houses hundreds of IT and tech companies, has sparked outrage after logistics tech platform Blackbuck’s CEO Rajesh Kumar Yabaji announced that he is relocating his office from Bellandur. His decision has once again thrown the spotlight on the city’s failing infrastructure and the Karnataka Congress government’s inability to address the menace of potholes, dust, and endless traffic jams.
The Outer Ring Road is not just any stretch. It is the backbone of India’s Silicon Valley, connecting K.R. Puram to Central Silk Board Junction and employing over 9 lakh people through nearly 500 global and domestic companies. But despite its importance, the road remains in a state of near collapse riddled with potholes, uneven surfaces, and dust clouds that worsen traffic congestion daily.
Rajesh Yabaji’s frustration goes viral
Announcing his decision on X, Rajesh wrote: “ORR (Bellandur) has been our office and home for the past 9 years. But now it is very difficult to continue here. We have decided to move out.”
ORR (Bellandur) has been our “office + home” for the last 9 years. But it’s now very-very hard to continue here. 💔
We have decided to move out.
Background:
– Average commute for my colleagues shot up to 1.5+ hrs (one way)
– Roads full of potholes & dust, coupled with lowest…— Rajesh Yabaji (@YABAJI) September 16, 2025
He revealed that employees spend an average of one-and-a-half hours commuting to office due to battered roads. “The roads are full of potholes and dust. There seems to be no intent to repair them. Sadly, nothing has changed in the last five years,” he lamented, adding a broken-heart emoji to emphasize his disappointment.
Rajesh’s post struck a chord with countless Bengalureans, who face the same ordeal daily. While ordinary citizens hailed him for voicing their frustration, corporate leaders and industry veterans openly criticized the government, warning that Bengaluru risks losing its place as India’s preferred tech destination.
Mohandas Pai slams administration
Former Infosys CFO and Aarin Capital Chairman T.V. Mohandas Pai minced no words in describing the situation. “This is a big failure of governance in Bengaluru. Minister D.K. Shivakumar, please note — companies are moving out of ORR. The situation is not hopeful. Immediate intervention is required,” Pai wrote on X.
Folks please see https://t.co/Z4noUNRQ60
— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) September 17, 2025
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw demands urgent action
This is serious. Emergency measures needed to fix these issues @DKShivakumar https://t.co/naUSQchoqq
— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) September 16, 2025
Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw echoed these concerns, calling Rajesh’s decision a red flag. “This is a serious problem. Urgent measures are needed to solve Bengaluru’s road crisis. If neglected, it will have long-term consequences on investments and employment,” she posted, tagging top government leaders including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge.
DCM Shivakumar’s unkept promises
The backlash comes as a personal embarrassment for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds charge of Bengaluru Development. In September last year, Shivakumar had boldly announced that all potholes in Bengaluru would be filled within two months at a cost of ₹1,100 crore. He had even launched a mobile app called ‘Raste Gundi Khon’ to enable citizens to report potholes.
However, one year later, the reality is grim. Motorists still navigate cratered roads, risking accidents daily. Metro construction delays, unfinished white-topping projects, and broken drainage systems have further compounded the problem. Citizens argue that while political leaders keep making tall promises, the city continues to crumble under the weight of neglect and mismanagement.
Greater Bengaluru Authority responds
Amid mounting criticism, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao issued a statement defending the civic body’s efforts. “As an immediate step, DCM Shivakumar has already directed officials to close potholes on a war-footing. We are also taking up large-scale infrastructure projects to address Bengaluru’s long-term issues,” he assured.
But citizens remain skeptical, pointing to repeated delays and poor quality of past road repairs.
Andhra Pradesh extends red-carpet invitation
Adding a political twist, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh seized the opportunity to woo disgruntled companies. Replying directly to Rajesh’s post, Lokesh wrote: “Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are one of the top 5 cleanest cities in India, with world-class infrastructure coming up. Vizag is also rated as one of the safest cities for women. Please consider moving your company here.”
Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM. https://t.co/HLfP2CVTys
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 17, 2025
Lokesh’s open invitation has sparked fears in Karnataka that rival states may attract more companies away if Bengaluru fails to urgently fix its infrastructure crisis.
