CM Siddaramaiah
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday wrote to Wipro founder Azim Premji seeking the IT giant’s support in tackling traffic congestion on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR). The letter comes amid growing criticism from industry leaders and opposition parties over the city’s crumbling road infrastructure.In his letter, Siddaramaiah praised Wipro’s role in Karnataka’s development but flagged severe congestion at the Iblur junction, particularly during peak hours. He suggested that opening limited vehicular movement through Wipro’s campus, under agreed terms and security checks, could significantly ease the problem.“One of the key challenges currently facing Bengaluru, particularly along the Outer Ring Road corridor at Iblur junction is severe traffic congestion during peak hours, which adversely impacts mobility, productivity, and the quality of urban life,” Siddaramaiah wrote. Citing expert assessments, he added: “Preliminary assessments by traffic and urban mobility experts indicate that such a measure could reduce congestion on adjoining stretches of the ORR by nearly 30%, particularly during peak office hours. Your support in this matter will go a long way in easing traffic bottlenecks, enhancing commuter experience, and contributing to a more efficient and livable Bengaluru.”The chief minister urged Wipro’s management to work with state officials to find a “mutually acceptable plan at the earliest.”The appeal comes against the backdrop of heightened public debate on Bengaluru’s infrastructure. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw recently urged the government to act after logistics platform BlackBuck shifted operations out of Bellandur, citing poor commuting conditions.Meanwhile, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar has defended the government, saying the pothole problem is not unique to Karnataka. “It is there across the country, including in Delhi. Projecting in the media as if the issue is only here is not right,” he told reporters. He added that civic teams are filling around a thousand potholes daily despite heavy rains.With the opposition BJP set to stage a statewide road blockade protest on 24 September, the ruling Congress faces mounting pressure to show quick progress on improving Bengaluru’s roads.
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