Bengaluru rains: Karnataka forms committee with industry leaders to fix tech hub infra woes

Karnataka deputy CM and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar inspected flooded areas in Yelahanka.

Facing criticism over poor rain response and crumbling infrastructure in Bengaluru's tech hubs, the Karnataka government has formed a stakeholders committee.

It will address the challenges and issues facing Bengaluru's tech parks, with a commitment to prioritising the resolution of these identified problems. "A committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The committee includes the heads of the IT, BT, and Startup Vision Groups," said Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on October 23.

"We will be engaging with industries, corporates, industry associations, business park associations, and citizen groups to discuss, evaluate, and implement immediate, short-term, and long-term solutions to strengthen our infrastructure," Kharge said.

Kharge said that Bengaluru has been hit hard by heavy rains, with rainfall ranging from 92 mm to 157 mm due to cloudbursts, leading to significant challenges for the city and its residents. "The government is aware of the serious impact the incessant rains have had on the operations of various major industry stakeholders," Kharge said.

Also, read: Bengaluru tech leaders protest inaction on poor roads, traffic jams: 'It will only get worse'

The committee will also include the IT-BT Minister,  KEONICS chairman, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, BBMP Chief Commissioner, Bengaluru city police commissioner, IT-BT and Science & Technology secretary, representatives from industry bodies and corporate heads and others.

Bengaluru is home to companies like Infosys and Wipro, as well as global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM. Many of these companies operate in tech hubs like Electronics City, Whitefield, and Manyata Tech Park, with lakhs of employees working across the city.

It may be recalled that Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) had issued an advisory, urging IT, BT, and private companies to allow employees to work from home on October 16 and 23 due to heavy rains in Bengaluru.

Also, read: That sinking feeling again: Bengaluru crumbles in rain, city without elected council for over 4 years

Many areas such as Outer Ring Road (ORR) and Manyata Tech Park near Hebbal continue to face flooding after each downpour, causing severe traffic congestion. Several senior executives from tech startups have voiced their frustrations on social media over the government's inaction.

Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai recently lambasted the Karnataka government for the poor condition of roads, drainage, and traffic on Bengaluru’s ORR. He warned that multinational companies with offices in the area might consider relocating to other states if the government fails to address these issues.

Also, read: Bengaluru's ORR traffic congestion: Motorists stuck for hours, police close tech park gates for staggered exits

On Tuesday, Curefoods founder Ankit Nagori shared on X (formerly Twitter) that it took him three hours to travel just 10 km, stating, "It would have been four hours if I hadn’t walked the last 5 km. Earlier, this happened once or twice a year, and now it’s after almost every rain."

Amit Somani, Managing Partner at Prime Ventures, called for a symbolic protest, asking people to wear black in response to the city's deteriorating infrastructure. "All those who suffered through Bengaluru's traffic and horrible roads today, let’s wear black tomorrow to mark our respectful protest," he wrote on Tuesday.

Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road Companies Association on August 29 urged government authorities to address the issues plaguing the tech corridor from KR Puram to Central Silk Board.

Karnataka is home to over 5,500 IT and ITES companies, including 750 multinationals, driving $85 billion in exports. The state employs over 120,000 professionals directly, with 310,000 indirect jobs. Contributing nearly 40% of India's software exports, Karnataka also hosts 40% of the country’s global capacity centres (GCCs), cementing its status as a global IT hub.

Also, read: Bengaluru rains: Mohandas Pai says poor infra is making MNCs consider taking jobs to other cities