Bengaluru: Logistics technology firm BlackBuck has announced that it will vacate its Bellandur office on the city’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) after nine years, citing worsening traffic congestion and failing infrastructure as the reasons for the move.

Co-founder and CEO Rajesh Yabaji said on X that employees’ one-way commute averages more than 1.5 hours. “Roads full of potholes and dust, coupled with the lowest intent to get them rectified. I see no improvement for at least five years,” he wrote.

ORR’s chronic congestion

The Outer Ring Road is a key IT corridor housing several multinational companies and startups, but it has long struggled with heavy traffic and crumbling road conditions.

Krishna Kumar Gowda, General Secretary of the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association, said BlackBuck’s decision should serve as a wake-up call. “The shift by leading firms underscores the urgent need for government action. We need a transparent roadmap to upgrade roads, improve metro connectivity, and strengthen public utilities,” he said.

Recent government response

The state government has faced growing criticism over the city’s failing road infrastructure. The situation went viral recently after three schoolchildren shared a video showing their school bus jolting through pothole-ridden roads.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced ₹1,100 crore for road repair and construction across the city. He also promised deadlines for filling potholes and directed traffic police to share details of problem areas.

“Potholes must be filled within the deadline, and a timeline must be prepared and submitted to me. The public should also be taken into confidence,” Shivakumar said.

Social media debate

BlackBuck’s announcement sparked intense debate online, with many users expressing frustration over Bengaluru’s long-ignored civic problems.

One user commented, “Been a victim of this mess for 15+ years—stormwater drains, sewage, electricity, proper roads—total neglect.” Another pointed out the dilemma of relocating: “If you move to the outskirts, employees take ages to reach. It’s a rock and a hard place situation.”

Some praised BlackBuck for prioritising staff welfare, contrasting its approach with companies enforcing strict office attendance. “Good that you are thinking about employees; many organisations force office mandates,” one comment read. Others suggested the shift might help ease congestion on ORR and encourage more balanced city growth.

Broader implications

The decision by BlackBuck, a leading home-grown logistics tech company, underlines the challenges that Bengaluru faces as India’s technology hub. While the city continues to attract global investments, its infrastructure has not kept pace with rapid urban expansion.

Citizens and industry leaders are now urging the government to deliver on its promises of road upgrades, metro expansion, and improved public services to prevent further exits by companies.