After IT Sector, Industries Raise Alarm Over Poor Infrastructure In Bengaluru

DK Shivakumar established a November deadline for repairing potholes throughout Bengaluru (Representational)

The deteriorating infrastructure in Bengaluru, particularly in the Peenya Industrial Area, is now creating significant challenges for industries, prompting the industrial community to raise serious concerns.

After ongoing complaints from citizens and IT sector stakeholders, the Peenya Industrial Association has addressed a formal letter to Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, requesting immediate action to repair roads and enhance facilities.

The Association's letter emphasized the extensive potholes and damaged roadways across Peenya and over 25 adjacent private industrial zones. They explained that these poor conditions are causing damage to goods, sensitive machinery, and raw materials during transportation. The letter warned that these infrastructure issues are undermining customer trust, causing shipment delays, and negatively impacting overall productivity.

The Association highlighted that Peenya represents Asia's largest industrial center, hosting approximately 12,000 industries and supporting more than 10 lakh workers, with around 40% of production being exported, including to defense and aerospace sectors. Association representatives emphasized that the substandard infrastructure, combined with elevated electricity and water rates, is encouraging industries to consider relocating to neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where industrial facilities and transportation networks are better maintained.

The Association cautioned that continued neglect could result in diminished investment, job losses, and reduced state revenue, damaging Karnataka's standing as a forward-thinking industrial hub. They urged the DCM to order immediate pothole repairs and develop a comprehensive long-term road improvement strategy to prevent future deterioration and restore investor confidence.

Previously, DK Shivakumar had guaranteed that the Karnataka government would ensure no company exits the IT capital due to infrastructure-related problems.

Mr. Shivakumar, who serves as Minister for Bengaluru Development and Town Planning, spoke exclusively with NDTV while the Congress government faces criticism regarding the poor state of roads.

When questioned about the state government's strategy for India's Silicon Valley, he responded, "Bengaluru became too big, so more needed to be done. To meet these demands, we formed five corporations. And for bigger projects, we decided to bring in the Greater Bengaluru Authority."

The Deputy Chief Minister also established a November deadline for contractors to repair potholes throughout Bengaluru.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr. Shivakumar stated the government was committed to addressing longstanding civic issues. "Contractors have been given a final deadline to fill the potholes within November to resolve the problem. Since a clean Bengaluru and smooth traffic are our goals, GBA will provide relief from potholes as soon as possible," he announced in a post on 'X'.