Bengaluru: Azim Premji, founder and chairman of Wipro, has respectfully declined Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s request to allow limited vehicular movement through Wipro’s Sarjapur campus in Bengaluru. Premji acknowledged the government's concerns about traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), particularly near Iblur junction, but emphasised significant legal, governance, and security challenges involved in opening a privately owned corporate campus for public traffic.

Legal and Security Constraints

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Premji stressed that the Sarjapur campus is an exclusive private property owned by a publicly listed company and is not intended to serve as a public thoroughfare. Additionally, the campus operates as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), providing IT services to global clients under stringent contractual access control norms. He warned that allowing public vehicles through the campus could violate contractual obligations and raise complex statutory and governance challenges, making it an impractical and unsustainable long-term solution.

Support for a Data-Driven Collaborative Solution

While declining the proposal, Premji expressed strong support for tackling Bengaluru’s traffic woes through a more comprehensive and scientific approach. He proposed commissioning a world-class study on urban transport management, which could develop a holistic roadmap for sustainable traffic solutions across short, medium, and long-term horizons. Wipro offered to partner with the Karnataka government in this initiative and pledged to underwrite a significant portion of the studies' costs.

Complexity of Bengaluru's Traffic Problem

Premji highlighted the multifaceted nature of Bengaluru’s traffic issues, which stem from rapid urban expansion, growing vehicle density, and infrastructure constraints, stating, “The problem’s complexity suggests there is unlikely to be a single-point solution or a silver bullet.”

Government Support and Public Response

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s original request came after assessments indicated that opening traffic through Wipro’s campus could reduce congestion on adjoining ORR stretches by nearly 30%, particularly during peak office hours, improving commuter experience significantly.

The proposal followed widespread public and industry frustration, with prominent voices like BlackBuck CEO Rajesh Yabaji lamenting the poor condition of Bengaluru roads and long commute times, which have prompted businesses to consider relocation.

The Way Forward

Though Premji declined the specific request to open campus roads, his commitment to a collaborative, research-driven solution represents a proactive step towards addressing Bengaluru’s chronic traffic congestion. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to leverage data, expert insights, and corporate partnerships to produce actionable, sustainable transportation strategies, ensuring Bengaluru’s infrastructure can support its vibrant economy and growing population.

With inputs from PTI