Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based IT professional has ignited a major discussion on social media after suggesting that the Karnataka government should temporarily shut down key IT parks and mandate remote work for tech employees to fix the city’s deteriorating infrastructure.

The post, made by techie Amarnath Shivashankar on X (formerly Twitter), called on the government to invoke Business Continuity Plans (BCP)—similar to what companies did during the Covid-19 pandemic—to allow crucial repair work on roads, drainage systems, and flyovers to proceed without the burden of daily traffic.

“When IT companies on the Outer Ring Road, ITPL, Electronic City, Manyata Tech Park, Bagmane Tech Park, etc., went completely remote for more than a year during Covid, they can do that again if the government mandates them to do so. Employees are losing productive hours during their commute,” Shivashankar wrote.

He added, “Invoke the BCP, close the IT parks for a few months, fix the roads and rainwater drains, fix the broken infrastructure. Complete the flyover constructions, procure more BMTC buses, fast-track Metro construction. Where there is a will, there is a way. Fix Bengaluru once and for all.”

The post tagged Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Chief Minister’s Office, quickly amassing attention and sparking intense discussion among residents, urban planners, and IT employees alike.

Mixed reactions flood social media

While several users praised the idea, describing it as a “bold and practical solution,” others pointed out the economic and logistical challenges of such a move.

One user wrote, “Work from home till we fix the home. #FixBengaluru. Maybe this could be the city’s best infrastructure plan.” Another commented, “This is how things should be done if the government is serious about solving Bengaluru’s problems.”

However, others raised concerns that shutting down IT parks would disrupt local businesses, including restaurants, transport operators, and rental services that depend on the corporate workforce.

“There will be real practical challenges in doing it now. We are not in a global crisis and parent companies want their employees back in office. Companies will also have to maintain facilities even when unused,” one user explained. “It could impact the automobile, real estate, and food industries.”

Another respondent wrote, “It’s too much to ask to shut down the IT parks now. Instead, the government should focus on improving efficiency in road construction.”

Experts weigh in

Urban infrastructure experts note that while the proposal reflects growing frustration with Bengaluru’s traffic and flooding problems, implementing such an idea may not be feasible.

“During the pandemic, remote work was a necessity. Making it mandatory now would need coordination between thousands of companies, and could disrupt the economy,” said Dr. Ramesh Naik, an urban planner based in the city. “However, the suggestion underlines the need for serious, time-bound action to fix Bengaluru’s roads and stormwater drains.”

The Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA), which represents several major tech firms, has previously estimated that traffic congestion on the ORR costs companies millions in lost productivity annually. A temporary work-from-home policy could theoretically ease pressure on infrastructure, but would also require extensive logistical support and planning.

Bengaluru’s long-standing infrastructure crisis

Bengaluru has long grappled with issues of unplanned urbanisation, traffic jams, pothole-ridden roads, and inadequate drainage systems. Heavy rainfall often brings parts of the city to a standstill, especially near IT corridors like Bellandur, Whitefield, and Marathahalli.

Despite multiple promises from successive governments, long-term solutions have been slow to materialise. Projects such as flyover construction, Metro expansion, and stormwater drain desilting continue to face delays.

As social media discussions continue, many users view Shivashankar’s post not as a literal demand but as a symbolic wake-up call for authorities to prioritise infrastructure over short-term fixes.

Conclusion

While the idea of shutting IT parks may not be practical, the post has undeniably struck a chord with citizens frustrated by the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Whether or not the government takes notice, the viral debate has reignited public demand for urgent and sustained action to “Fix Bengaluru.”