Should Private Campuses Become Public Roads? Bengaluru’s Traffic Mess Demands Real Solutions
City Choking on Its Roads
Bengaluru, India’s technology capital, is grappling with a crisis that overshadows its global reputation—the abysmal condition of its roads. The city’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), a vital artery for IT hubs and corporate offices, has become synonymous with potholes, dust, and endless gridlocks. Commuters endure exhausting delays, while businesses are voicing their frustration over lost productivity and deteriorating infrastructure. Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made an unusual request: asking Wipro’s founder, Azim Premji, to open the company’s private campus for partial public use in a bid to ease traffic congestion.
CM’s Proposal to Wipro
In a letter dated September 19, Siddaramaiah appealed to Premji to allow controlled vehicular movement through Wipro’s campus near the ORR. According to assessments by mobility experts, this diversion could reduce traffic snarls on adjoining stretches by as much as 30% during rush hours. The Chief Minister argued that smoother flow would enhance commuter experience, boost productivity, and improve overall quality of life. He urged Wipro to collaborate with government officials to explore a workable plan.
Corporate Pushback and Civic Outrage
The proposal emerged at a time when dissatisfaction among corporates has reached new highs. Recently, Rajesh Yabaji, co-founder of logistics technology firm BlackBuck, announced that the company would vacate its Bellandur office. His public remarks stung: he described the ORR as a “pothole-ridden, dusty corridor with no intent to improve.” The blunt criticism resonated widely, igniting debates about whether the government has lost control over Bengaluru’s infrastructure management.
Political Fallout and Accusations
The issue has not remained confined to frustrated commuters. Opposition leaders have seized the moment to attack the state administration. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy branded Bengaluru as the “City of Potholes,” accusing the Congress government of incompetence and corruption. He warned that industries were losing patience and even migrating to neighboring states, undermining Karnataka’s image as a preferred investment destination. The accusations added fuel to public anger and intensified the pressure on the government to show results quickly.
Government’s Defense and Roadmap
In response, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the administration’s record, stating that contractors had been given a final deadline to fill potholes by November. He further announced a ₹1,100-crore package for road repairs and upgrades across the city. Promising cleaner roads and smoother traffic movement, he assured residents that the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) would ensure potholes were cleared without further delay. Yet, many citizens remain skeptical, given past lapses and recurring infrastructure failures.
Seeking Lasting Solutions
While Siddaramaiah’s outreach to Wipro reflects an innovative short-term fix, it raises broader questions. Should private campuses be turned into public thoroughfares to compensate for weak civic planning? Even if the move temporarily reduces congestion, it does not address the structural deficiencies of Bengaluru’s Road network. Sustainable solutions lie in durable road construction, scientific traffic management, investment in mass transit, and accountability in civic works. Without systemic reforms, any quick fixes will only delay the inevitable. Bengaluru, a city that powers India’s digital economy, deserves infrastructure that matches its stature—not patchwork remedies.
(With agency inputs)
