Traffic-burdened streets riddled with potholes lead to extended commutes of over 1.5 hours, a sentiment echoed by BlackBuck CEO as he plans to relocate the company's headquarters from Bengaluru.
The Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Bengaluru has been a contentious issue for years, plagued by traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and infrastructure problems, causing companies like BlackBuck and others to consider relocating their headquarters. The Government of Karnataka and the Bangalore Metropolitan Corporation have recently announced several measures to improve the situation.
Announced Measures
1. Public Transport Expansion
To alleviate traffic, the government is focusing on the expansion of the Metro network (Namma Metro) along the ORR. The completion of the Metro line on the Koramangala-KR Puram stretch (Phases 2 and 2A/2B) is expected to be finished by 2025 and will include numerous new stations along the ORR. Additionally, discussions about extra tram and bus lanes have been proposed.
2. Road Repair and Signal Optimisation
The government has announced plans to repair or expand existing roads and implement measures for signal optimisation and the introduction of intelligent traffic control to reduce traffic jams.
3. Ban on Heavy Vehicles During Peak Hours
To reduce environmental pollution and traffic density during rush hours, the government has banned the transport of heavy goods vehicles and lorries on the ORR during daytime.
4. Electrification and Bicycle Lanes
Starting from 2023, the government has announced plans to promote electric mobility (electric cars, buses, charging stations) and the setting up of safe bicycle lanes as part of the ORR's infrastructure plans.
5. Air Quality Improvement
The government has announced measures to reduce the PM 2.5 level (fine particulate matter), including stricter emission control, the promotion of electric mobility, and tree planting along the ORR.
6. Digital Traffic Management Platform
Bengaluru Smart City Ltd. and the Traffic Police are working on a digital platform to monitor and control traffic flows in real-time.
7. Improved Power and Water Supply
Power outages have also been a source of frustration. The government has proposed plans for a more reliable power supply through network improvements and investments in renewable energy.
Potential Impacts on Companies
These measures aim to significantly improve the living and working conditions along the ORR. If progress is noticeable, it could persuade companies like BlackBuck to reconsider their plans to relocate their headquarters. However, the question remains whether the implementation of these measures will be quick and sustainable enough to secure the satisfaction of these companies.
Conclusion
The government has announced numerous measures aimed at alleviating traffic on the ORR by expanding public transport, improving road infrastructure, promoting green mobility, and digitalising traffic management. The key question is how quickly and effectively these measures will be implemented. If the infrastructure actually improves, it could persuade many companies to stay or even return to the ORR.
For more detailed information on individual projects or the views of companies like BlackBuck, we can conduct further research to find new sources or statements.
- They are willing to collaborate with authorities to restore Bengaluru's status as the tech capital of India.
- He also expressed that he doesn't see any improvement in the next five years.
- Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw expressed concern about the infrastructure issues.
- Mohandas Pai, Infosys CFO and Aarin Capital chairman, called BlackBuck's decision a "big failure of governance in Bengaluru" and urged state authorities to act.
- Rajesh Yabaji, co-founder and CEO of BlackBuck, stated that the roads are full of potholes and dust, with little intent to fix them.
- BlackBuck, a logistics tech platform, is moving its office from Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road after nine years.
- The association called for a transparent roadmap to improve roads, metro connectivity, and public utilities.
- The move is due to worsening traffic and infrastructure issues in the area.
- The tech corridor from KR Puram to Silk Board contributes 36% of Bengaluru's annual IT revenue.
- He stated that the funds will be used to ensure every constituency benefits and to build smooth, pothole-free roads.
- Krishna Kumar Gowda, general secretary of the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association, stated that the neglect of infrastructure along the corridor is a critical concern.
- The Outer Ring Road (Bellandur) employs 950,000 people across 500 companies.
- Originally built to divert heavy vehicles, the Outer Ring Road has evolved into a dense hub of tech parks and housing, worsening congestion.
- Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that Rs 1,100 crore has been allocated for road repair and construction across the city.
- The average commute for BlackBuck employees has stretched to more than 90 minutes one way.
Read also:
- Linde Wins Major Engineering Design Contract for Equinor's Low Carbon Hydrogen Project at H2H Saltend, Progressing Towards a Greener Future
- Stock markets in Asia experience a surge following a record-breaking rally in U.S. stocks, fueled by optimism towards potential interest rate reductions.
- Transportation via roads plays a critical role in India's shift towards clean energy.
- EU Commission President von der Leyen emphasizes continuity, affirming that Europe's automotive future will be powered by electricity
