Bengaluru: Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has once again drawn attention to Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure, sharing her concerns on social media after a foreign business visitor questioned the city’s poor roads and garbage-strewn streets. The visitor reportedly compared Bengaluru unfavourably to Chinese cities and expressed disbelief that India, despite its progress, continued to struggle with basic urban infrastructure.

Taking note of Shaw’s remarks, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar responded by saying that constant criticism of Bengaluru was unfair. He asserted that the city had created opportunities and success for countless individuals and companies, and therefore deserved constructive collaboration rather than repeated condemnation.

“Bengaluru has given growth and prosperity to so many people. Instead of criticising, we all must work together to improve it,” Shivakumar said.

Shaw agreed with the Deputy CM’s response, emphasising that while Bengaluru’s challenges were undeniable, what was needed now was collective effort with urgency and quality to transform the city’s infrastructure.

Mission ‘Free Traffic-2026’ and ongoing projects

In his response, Shivakumar also detailed several ongoing infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving Bengaluru’s conditions. These include large-scale road repair projects, traffic decongestion measures, and upgrades to stormwater drains and waste management systems.

The state government recently launched Mission “Free Traffic-2026”, a 90-day action plan designed to tackle the city’s pressing issues. The initiative focuses on:

  • Repairing and resurfacing damaged roads across key arterial routes.
  • Involving private companies in maintenance contracts to ensure accountability.
  • Implementing traffic management systems to ease congestion in high-density corridors.
  • Launching public awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal and civic discipline.

Officials said that once the short-term goals are achieved, the mission will expand into a long-term strategy that aligns with Bengaluru’s 2030 urban development blueprint.

Shaw’s message: Collaboration over criticism

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, one of India’s most respected entrepreneurs, has frequently raised concerns about Bengaluru’s traffic bottlenecks, poor road maintenance, and civic neglect. Her latest post, however, struck a more conciliatory tone, urging both citizens and the government to join hands to restore Bengaluru’s global image.

“We all need to work collectively—with urgency and quality—to make Bengaluru the city we are proud of,” she said in her follow-up post.

She added that improving the city’s infrastructure is crucial not just for residents’ quality of life, but also for attracting foreign investment and retaining Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s technology and innovation hub.

A call for united action

Shaw’s interaction with the Deputy CM reflects a growing sentiment among Bengaluru’s business community that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are key to solving the city’s chronic infrastructure issues.

Urban experts have also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach involving multiple civic agencies such as the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), BDA (Bangalore Development Authority), and BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board).

The government, on its part, has committed to fast-tracking delayed infrastructure projects, including the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), metro line expansions, and stormwater drain upgrades to prevent flooding.

With Bengaluru contributing nearly 40% of Karnataka’s GDP and housing thousands of IT and startup firms, both Shaw and Shivakumar agreed that improving urban infrastructure is not just a civic necessity, but an economic imperative.

Looking ahead

The exchange between the Biocon chief and the Deputy CM has sparked widespread discussion online, with many citizens echoing Shaw’s concerns while also welcoming Shivakumar’s call for cooperation.

As Mission “Free Traffic-2026” moves into its next phase, expectations are high that Bengaluru’s roads, traffic systems, and waste management will see visible improvements over the coming year.

Both business leaders and government officials hope that collective civic responsibility—not criticism alone—will help Bengaluru reclaim its status as India’s most liveable and globally admired city.