In a significant move highlighting Bengaluru’s persistent traffic woes, BlackBuck, a prominent digital platform connecting truck operators, announced its decision to vacate its offices along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Bellandur. The relocation stems directly from the arduous daily commute faced by its employees, a growing concern for many businesses in the city.
Rajesh Kumar Yabaji, the co-founder and CEO of BlackBuck, shared his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The ORR (Bellandur) has been both our ‘office and home’ for nine years, but continuing here has become incredibly difficult. We’ve made the tough decision to move out.”
He elaborated on the reasons, pointing out that his colleagues’ average one-way commute had ballooned to over 1.5 hours. Yabaji minced no words about the state of the roads, describing them as “full of potholes and dust,” and criticizing the apparent lack of genuine effort to fix these issues. He pessimistically added, “I don’t foresee any improvement in this situation over the next five years.”
Yabaji’s post quickly garnered widespread attention, accumulating tens of thousands of views. It also resonated with many, with one commenter vividly capturing the sentiment: “Excellent decision. Moreover, real estate prices along the entire ORR stretch are outrageously inflated. Developers are demanding prices comparable to Chicago and Dubai, despite offering infrastructure that resembles a chaotic developing nation.”
The Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association (GBCIA) echoed these concerns. General Secretary Krishna Kumar Gowda expressed deep alarm over the ongoing neglect of infrastructure along the ORR, citing the crippling traffic, numerous potholes, and unpredictable travel times. He emphasized that the departure of leading companies like BlackBuck underscores the critical need for immediate government action.
Gowda urged for a clear plan to enhance roads, extend metro connectivity, and upgrade public utilities. He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to work with authorities to restore Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s premier tech hub. This issue has become particularly acute this year, with a noticeable surge in ORR traffic as more companies mandate a return to office after years of remote or hybrid work models.