Andhra Minister Makes A Vizag Offer To CEO Who Flagged Bengaluru Potholes
Amid the outcry over a logistics firm CEO's announcement to move its office out of Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road area, Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh has made a Vizag offer
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Nara Lokesh extends invitation to BlackBuck CEO for Vizag relocation amid Bengaluru infrastructure concerns
New Delhi:
Following a logistics company CEO's declaration to exit Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road area due to infrastructure challenges, Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh has presented Vizag as an attractive alternative. In response to BlackBuck CEO Rajesh Yabaji's announcement, Mr. Lokesh highlighted Vizag's advantages for potential business relocation.
"Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM," the Andhra minister wrote in his post on X.
Hi Rajesh, can I interest you in relocating your company to Vizag? We are rated among top 5 cleanest cities in India, are building best-in-class infra, and have been rated the safest city for women. Please send me a DM. https://t.co/HLfP2CVTys
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) September 17, 2025
Previously, Mr. Yabaji had shared that BlackBuck has operated from Bellandur for nine years but found it "very-very hard to continue here. We have decided to move out." He explained the decision citing, "Average commute for my colleagues shot up to 1.5+ hrs (one way). Roads full of potholes and dust, coupled with the lowest intent to get them rectified. Didn't see any of this changing in the next 5 years."
The announcement has intensified focus on the significant civic and infrastructure challenges facing residents and businesses in India's IT hub.
Prominent business leader Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon, called for "emergency measures" to address these issues. Mohandas Pai, chairman of Aarin Capital and Manipal Global Education, described the situation as a "big, big failure of governance," urging, "Minister DKShivakumar, please see, cos are moving out of ORR. Situation beyond hope. Please intervene."
Nara Lokesh, the son of Telugu Desam Party leader and Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, oversees several key portfolios including Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real Time Governance and Human Resources Development.
Since the TDP returned to power in Andhra last year, the minister has been actively courting businesses to enhance investment and employment opportunities in the state. As Bengaluru continues to make headlines for deteriorating roads, severe traffic congestion, and escalating rental costs, the Andhra minister is strategically positioning Vizag as a viable destination for relocating and new businesses.