Peenya Industrial Association flags pothole issue to DK Shivakumar; says many Bengaluru firms mull shifting to neighbouring states

Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh inspected damaged stretches of Outer Ring Road in the Bengaluru tech corridor, between Central Silk Board and Hebbal.

Peenya Industrial Association has written to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar highlighting the poor condition of roads in Peenya Industrial Area and adjoining private industrial clusters.

In its September 19 letter, the association urged the government to take immediate steps to address potholes and weak road infrastructure, warning that companies were increasingly considering relocating operations to neighbouring states with better connectivity and industrial facilities.

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Peenya, one of Asia’s largest industrial hubs, contributes significantly to Karnataka’s economy, exports and employment. However, the association said the neglect of basic infrastructure has created a climate of uncertainty among entrepreneurs and investors. “If this trend continues, there will be a huge loss in investment and jobs, state revenues will decline, and Karnataka’s image as a progressive industrial hub will be tarnished,” the letter stated.

The association flagged serious problems caused by potholed and uneven road conditions in more than 25 private industrial areas, in addition to those developed by KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board) and KSSIDC (Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation).

It said that poor roads have led to damaged goods during transportation, frequent machinery breakdowns, delays in the movement of raw materials and finished products, loss of customer trust, and disruption of daily business operations. The poor condition of roads, according to industrialists, has also resulted in traffic congestion, accidents, vehicle damage, higher transportation costs, and declining competitiveness.

The association urged the deputy CM to direct concerned departments to immediately carry out road repair and pothole-filling works. It also called for a comprehensive, long-term road improvement plan to restore the confidence of industries and investors.

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