Bengaluru: The city’s crumbling roads have once again become a flashpoint, forcing the state government into damage control. Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar has set a November deadline for contractors to repair all potholes across the city, warning of strict action against delays and bogus bills.
The order comes after Rajesh Yabaji, Co-Founder and CEO of trucking platform BlackBuck, announced that his company would move out of its Bellandur office on Outer Ring Road, citing worsening commutes and poor infrastructure. In a candid post on X, Yabaji wrote: “ORR has been our office and home for nine years. But it’s now very hard to continue here. Roads full of potholes and dust, with little intent to fix them. Commutes for my colleagues take over 1.5 hours one way.”
ORR (Bellandur) has been our “office + home” for the last 9 years. But it’s now very-very hard to continue here. 💔
We have decided to move out.
Background:
– Average commute for my colleagues shot up to 1.5+ hrs (one way)
– Roads full of potholes & dust, coupled with lowest…— Rajesh Yabaji (@YABAJI) September 16, 2025
His remarks triggered an outpouring of support online and strong criticism from industry veterans. Mohandas Pai called the exit a “big failure of governance”, while Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw tagged the Deputy CM directly, urging immediate civic action. The issue escalated further after Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh invited BlackBuck to relocate to Visakhapatnam.
Shivakumar responded firmly: “By November, contractors must ensure all potholes are closed. Bengaluru deserves safe, smooth roads, and those who fail will be held accountable.” He said Rs 694 crore had already been allocated for 182 stretches covering 349 km, with an additional Rs 1,100 crore earmarked for citywide roadworks.
Industry associations have warned that poor civic infrastructure is threatening Bengaluru’s status as India’s tech capital. “Firms moving out reflects the urgency for government intervention,” said Krishna Kumar Gowda of the Greater Bengaluru IT Companies Association, calling for a clear roadmap on roads, metro links and public utilities.
Meanwhile, residents continue to highlight civic apathy. From Jayanagar, where “model road” promises remain unfulfilled, to Judicial Layout, where neighbours have taken to writing poems to the Prime Minister about potholes, frustration is evident. Viral videos by schoolchildren showing bumpy bus rides have only underlined the crisis.
Officials have assured that major road stretches will be restored soon. But for Bengaluru’s weary commuters, the November deadline cannot come fast enough.