Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has called on the Karnataka government and civic authorities to urgently fix Bengaluru’s ailing infrastructure, saying the city has all the ingredients to be among the best in the world but is being held back by poor civic management.
In a social media post addressed to Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Shaw highlighted the stark contrast between the city’s strengths and its weaknesses.
“Namma Bengaluru has the best talent and the best weather but the worst infrastructure,” she wrote. “If we fix garbage, debris, and roads, we can be among the best cities in the world. GBA has a great opportunity to do this. Let’s use collective will to do this @DKShivakumar @BBMPCOMM.”
Concerns echoed by citizens
Shaw’s remarks quickly resonated with residents who shared similar frustrations about the city’s deteriorating civic conditions. Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s technology capital, is grappling with chronic issues such as garbage dumping, battered roads, and flooding during monsoons.
Several citizens responded to her post, pointing out that the city’s global reputation as a hub for innovation is being undermined by basic failures in governance. “Ma’am, you should unite all tycoons like yourself and lobby for better infrastructure. Country should come above corporate gain—history remembers those who stood up for citizens,” one user urged.
Flooding, garbage, and civic sense
Recurring waterlogging was a key concern raised by residents, especially in tech corridors such as Sarjapur Road. One citizen highlighted that areas around Wipro’s campus have been inundated after just a few hours of rain for the past three years, despite repeated inspections. “How can employees and residents be expected to wade through two feet of water?” the user asked.
Others emphasised that the garbage crisis was worsening. “Every flyover has turned into a dumping yard. This menace requires immediate attention,” wrote one resident.
While infrastructure remained the central theme, some residents also flagged behavioural issues, stressing that infrastructure alone cannot solve Bengaluru’s problems. “More than just fixing garbage and roads, Bengaluru needs better civic sense, traffic discipline, and respect for public spaces. Without that, nothing else will change,” one user noted.
The larger picture
Shaw’s intervention comes amid repeated complaints that Bengaluru’s infrastructure has not kept pace with its rapid growth. Once celebrated as the “Garden City,” it is now struggling with mounting waste, traffic congestion, and inadequate drainage systems. Experts warn that without urgent corrective measures, the city risks losing its competitive edge in attracting global investments and retaining talent.
At the same time, Bengaluru’s resilience and resourcefulness remain evident in its citizens and industry leaders. Calls for collective action, such as the one made by Shaw, have reignited discussions on how industry, government, and civic bodies can collaborate to deliver sustainable urban development.
Conclusion
By highlighting Bengaluru’s challenges publicly, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has amplified a long-standing concern among residents—that India’s tech hub risks being derailed by its crumbling infrastructure. Her call for urgent reforms has struck a chord, sparking fresh debate about how political will, civic sense, and community participation can transform Bengaluru into the world-class city it aspires to be.