Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road Companies Association flags poor condition of tech corridor

Outer Ring Road (File image)

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.

Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA), represents technology parks, IT/ITeS companies, and software development and research centres along Bengaluru's tech corridor (17 km from KR Pura to Central Silk Board).

In a communication sent to government agencies, including BBMP, BWSSB, and BMRCL, ORRCA highlighted several concerns including poor condition of roads, waterlogging points, need for footpath and service road upgrades, micro surfacing of flyovers, road restoration, and improvements to the stormwater drainage system.

Also, read: Traffic congestion in Bengaluru's tech corridor costs $15 bn annually: Outer Ring Road Companies Association

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar visited the ORR stretch on October 7, 2023, and instructed officials to come up with solutions for traffic and other issues within 100 days. However, there has been no visible improvement on the ground.

On Thursday evening, for instance, waterlogging was reported at multiple locations on ORR between Silk Board and Karthik Nagar, leading to slow-moving traffic on both sides of the road. Panathur underpass was also inundated.

Also, read: Bengaluru’s seething tech corridor calls for timely advisories, efficient public transport

Panathur Under Pass pic.twitter.com/ONde2wPwTV
Vimal Viswanathan (@VimalVi40367470) August 29, 2024

"The companies, employees, and commuters along the ORR are struggling daily due to poor road conditions, lack of public transportation options, inadequate footpaths, waterlogging issues, and other infrastructure challenges. These issues are well-known to authorities, elected representatives, companies, builders, associations, employees, and the general public. Recently, employees have increasingly raised these concerns with association members and company representatives. We find it challenging to address these questions due to the lack of visible improvements or actionable progress," a stakeholder said.

Also, read: Traffic cops propose carpooling, shuttle buses to ease congestion on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road

"We have held several meetings and discussions regarding these issues, but without tangible action…If we ask member companies to participate in road clean-up drives, we are likely to face resistance from employees," the stakeholder added.

Urban mobility activist RK Misra said: "ORR/Whitefield IT corridor is the economic growth engine of the state, directly employing 1.3 million highly skilled IT professionals and generating $55 billion in revenue. In any other state or city, this area would be a showcase, but unfortunately, ORR/Whitefield is the worst possible area to live and work due to its pathetic infrastructure and perpetual traffic congestion."

Also, read: 'Brand Bengaluru' caught between DK Shivakumar’s vanity projects and city's crumbling infra

*Traffic Advisory*Water logging at multiple locations on ORR between Silk Board and Karthik Nagar. Slow moving traffic on either side of ORR.@BlrCityPolice @blrcitytraffic Joint CP, Traffic, Bengaluru (@Jointcptraffic) August 29, 2024

"Despite numerous meetings, including with the Bengaluru in-charge minister and senior officials, nothing has changed. Companies and employees are suffering and frustrated. Their expectations are very basic—pothole-free roads and walkable footpaths.  The government and BBMP need to focus on immediate relief by completing long-delayed projects while working on long gestation projects" Misra added.

Also, read: Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road Companies Association raises concern over water shortage