Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reached out to Wipro’s founder chairman, Azim Premji, with an unconventional proposal: allow limited vehicular movement through Wipro’s campus to alleviate congestion on the city’s beleaguered Outer Ring Road (ORR). The ORR, a critical IT corridor in India’s tech capital, is notorious for its gridlocked traffic, particularly at peak hours, frustrating commuters and hampering productivity.
In a letter dated September 19, 2025, Siddaramaiah outlined the dire situation at the Iblur junction, a major choke point on the ORR where traffic snarls have become a daily ordeal. He emphasized that Bengaluru’s traffic woes are not just an inconvenience but a significant threat to the city’s economic vitality and quality of life. “Severe traffic congestion during peak hours adversely impacts mobility, productivity, and the quality of urban life,” the Chief Minister wrote, highlighting the urgency of finding innovative solutions.
The proposal to route vehicles through Wipro’s campus, subject to mutually agreed terms and stringent security measures, stems from preliminary assessments by traffic and urban mobility experts. These studies suggest that such a measure could slash congestion on adjacent ORR stretches by up to 30% during peak office hours, offering a lifeline to thousands of commuters, including IT professionals who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s economy. Siddaramaiah expressed hope that Wipro, a cornerstone of Karnataka’s IT ecosystem, would partner with the state to address this pressing issue.
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“Wipro’s continued contribution to the progress of Karnataka’s IT ecosystem and overall socio-economic development is commendable,” the Chief Minister noted, appealing to Premji’s sense of civic responsibility. He urged Wipro’s leadership to collaborate with state officials to devise a feasible plan, emphasizing that such a partnership could significantly enhance Bengaluru’s livability and commuter experience. “I would greatly appreciate it if your team could engage with our officials to work out a mutually acceptable plan at the earliest,” he added.
The plea comes amid growing frustration from Bengaluru’s corporate and tech communities over the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Recently, industry heavyweights like former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw raised alarm bells after online trucking platform BlackBuck announced plans to relocate from its Bellandur office on the ORR, citing unbearable commuting challenges and inadequate road infrastructure. Their public outcry underscored the mounting pressure on the Karnataka government to act swiftly to prevent an exodus of businesses from the city.
Bengaluru’s traffic crisis has long been a thorn in the side of its reputation as India’s Silicon Valley. The ORR, lined with the offices of major tech giants, startups, and multinationals, is a vital artery for the city’s economy, but its chronic congestion has led to lost productivity, employee burnout, and growing dissatisfaction among residents. The government’s outreach to Wipro signals a willingness to explore unconventional partnerships with the private sector to address urban mobility challenges.
While the proposal is still in its early stages, it has sparked cautious optimism among commuters and urban planners. However, challenges remain, including ensuring Wipro’s campus security and addressing potential disruptions to the company’s operations. If successful, this initiative could set a precedent for public-private collaborations in tackling Bengaluru’s infrastructure woes, offering a blueprint for other congested urban centers across India.
As discussions between Wipro and state officials move forward, all eyes are on whether this bold experiment will deliver tangible relief to Bengaluru’s traffic-weary residents. For now, Siddaramaiah’s appeal to Premji underscores the state’s determination to restore Bengaluru’s status as a vibrant, efficient, and livable global tech hub.
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