Azim Premji Declines Bengaluru Traffic Solution Request: Why Wipro Campus Can't Open to Public Vehicles

Wipro founder chairman Azim Premji has declined Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's request to open the company's Bengaluru campus for public traffic, citing that it is an exclusive private property not designed for public thoroughfare.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had written to Azim Premji on September 19 regarding traffic congestion issues in Bengaluru.

In his response letter, Mr. Premji acknowledged the Chief Minister's recognition of Wipro's contributions to Karnataka and expressed appreciation for government initiatives addressing the critical traffic congestion in Bengaluru, particularly along the Outer Ring Road's export-oriented economic hub.

Mr. Premji suggested that the complex traffic problem requires more than a single solution. He proposed commissioning a comprehensive scientific study led by world-class urban transport management experts to develop implementable solutions for various timeframes. Wipro offered to underwrite a significant portion of this study's cost to demonstrate their commitment to resolving the issue.

Regarding the specific request to allow public vehicles through Wipro's Sarjapur campus, Mr. Premji highlighted several obstacles. He noted that as an exclusive private property owned by a listed company, there would be significant legal, governance, and statutory challenges. Additionally, as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) serving global customers, the campus must maintain stringent access control protocols for compliance purposes.

Mr. Premji emphasized that allowing public traffic through private property would not constitute a sustainable long-term solution. However, he affirmed Wipro's commitment to partnering with the Karnataka Government to develop lasting mobility solutions for Bengaluru through a collaborative, data-driven approach.

The letter was formally addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha and personally signed by Azim Premji.