‘Businesses Are Scared’: Mohandas Pai Urges DK Shivakumar To Fix Bengaluru’s Infrastructure

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 12:19 IST

Mohandas Pai has urged Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to reassure businesses and fix Bengaluru’s poor infrastructure, warning that fear and neglect are driving companies away.

A file photo of DK Shivakumar (PTI)

Former Infosys CFO and Padma Shri awardee Mohandas Pai has urged Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to reassure the business community and focus on fixing the city’s ailing infrastructure.

Re-quoting Shivakumar’s X post showcasing Bengaluru’s status as India’s startup capital and a global innovation hub, Pai wrote, “Thank you, Minister DK Shivakumar. Please focus on improving our city. Businesses are getting scared after your earlier statement.”

“We should not live in fear. We are a democracy. Please reassure people of your full support and no fear from you. Thanks,” he mentioned. 

The development follows logistics unicorn BlackBuck’s announcement to move out of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor, citing worsening road conditions and commute times of up to 1.5 hours one way.

CEO Rajesh Yabaji said the nine-year-old Bellandur office had become untenable due to potholes, dust and lack of intent from civic authorities to improve the stretch, he had alleged.

Later, industry leaders, including Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, flagged the situation as a governance failure and called for “emergency measures”.

Pai pointed out that nearly 8 lakh employees work along the ORR corridor, which houses major global firms, yet road infrastructure has remained neglected despite Bengaluru contributing significantly to India’s economy.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar, who also serves as Bengaluru Development Minister, defended the government’s record and promised action.

He directed civic commissioners to fill potholes on a deadline basis and submit daily reports, while reaffirming his commitment to build a “stronger, smarter ‘NammaBengaluru‘ for all.”

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, DK Shivakumar on Thursday said, “It is natural for roads to have potholes during the rainy season, and we have given a deadline to fill them. We have also instructed MLAs to use the grants to fill the potholes.”

When asked why the pothole issue persists even after spending thousands of crores, Shivakumar said, “We have given a deadline and allocated responsibilities to officials. There have been many potholes around Vidhana Souda due to the rains, and it is natural.”

“We are working to fix this issue. The issue will not be resolved just because some people tweet about it and some people issue media statements,” he added.

ALSO READ | Karnataka Caste Census To Be Delayed? Shivakumar Says Decision With CM Siddaramaiah

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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