"Can't Blackmail Government": DK Shivakumar On CEO's Bengaluru Roads Post
Bengaluru is growing rapidly, and the Karnataka government will ensure that no company leaves the IT capital over infrastructure-related issues, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured today.
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Bengaluru:
Karnataka's government will ensure that companies don't abandon Bengaluru over infrastructure concerns despite the city's rapid expansion, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar affirmed today.
Mr Shivakumar, who heads Bengaluru Development and Town Planning, spoke with NDTV as the Congress administration faces mounting criticism regarding deteriorating road conditions. The controversy intensified when a logistics company CEO announced relocating from the city's Outer Ring Road due to traffic congestion, providing ammunition to the opposition BJP.
Addressing Bengaluru's development strategy, he explained, "Bengaluru grew tremendously, requiring additional support. We established five corporations to address these needs. For larger initiatives, we created the Greater Bengaluru Authority."
He noted that many areas housing tech professionals remain under panchayat jurisdiction rather than the Greater Bengaluru Authority, complicating municipal responses. "We're working to incorporate these areas under GBA. We face significant challenges and have formed a dedicated corporation for this region to resolve these issues."
Yesterday, the Deputy Chief Minister assured citizens that Bengaluru's roads are receiving necessary attention with repairs underway. "Funding has been allocated, contractors have begun work with strict deadlines. We're dedicated to providing safer, smoother transportation for our residents," he posted on X.
ORR (Bellandur) has been our "office + home" for the last 9 years. But it's now very-very hard to continue here. 💔We have decided to move out.Background:- Average commute for my colleagues shot up to 1.5+ hrs (one way)- Roads full of potholes & dust, coupled with lowest…
— Rajesh Yabaji (@YABAJI) September 16, 2025
This statement followed concerns raised by prominent business leaders about Bengaluru's pothole-ridden roads and traffic problems. Rajesh Yabaji, CEO and co-founder of logistics firm BlackBuck, announced their departure from Bellandur after nine years. "But it's now very-very hard to continue here. We have decided to move out," he stated on X. He cited extended commute times averaging 1.5+ hours one-way and roads riddled with potholes and dust, with little apparent intention to address these issues. Many social media users shared similar experiences.
Responding to this, Mr Shivakumar suggested that relocation decisions might also stem from business considerations, adding that companies are free to leave if dissatisfied with Bengaluru's facilities and talent pool. "However, threatening the government isn't acceptable. Government blackmail won't succeed. Our responsibility is to serve state residents. Note this: no company will abandon Bengaluru," he asserted.
Notably, Mr Yabaji's announcement prompted Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh to suggest Vizag as an alternative location.
Mr Shivakumar acknowledged that companies are free to relocate. "But Bengaluru's offerings and infrastructure remain unmatched. Companies chose Bengaluru after evaluating what it provides," he maintained.
Criticizing the BJP, he questioned why the party's MPs weren't securing central funds or advocating for state issues. "Why aren't they bringing financial support? I've taken a significant risk by allocating Rs 125 crore," he remarked.
After viral footage showed a school bus nearly overturning due to a pothole, the Deputy Chief Minister responded, "We can't construct flyovers for every school—that's political rhetoric. For the first time in Bengaluru's history, we've designed 112 km of flyovers and over 44 km of elevated double-decker roads, with construction in progress. Bengaluru continues growing rapidly, attracting hundreds of new companies daily."
Regarding his commitment to urgently repair roads, Mr Shivakumar stated, "I've instructed officers to make firm commitments. I avoid false promises. My priorities include maintaining Bengaluru's cleanliness and repairing potholes." He added that court rulings frequently obstruct infrastructure projects despite government intentions to implement them.