Startup Originals Team
BlackBuck, a major digital trucking platform, has announced that it will leave its office in Bellandur on Outer Ring Road (ORR), Bengaluru. After nine years there, CEO Rajesh Yabaji cited severe commuting challenges, poor road conditions, and what he sees as lack of intent to fix infrastructure issues. The move reflects growing frustration from businesses with the city’s deteriorating civic facilities.
Why the Move: Commuting & Infrastructure Problems:
- Employees’ commute times have ballooned: the average one-way trip has stretched to around 1.5+ hours.
- The roads around Bellandur are reportedly “full of potholes and dust,” and there’s criticism of low urgency or commitment from authorities to repair or upgrade them.
- Yabaji expressed doubt that these conditions will improve significantly in the next five years, which was a factor in the decision to move out.
What Exactly is Changing:
- BlackBuck will vacate its Bellandur office on the ORR, but clarified it is not leaving Bengaluru entirely; the company is seeking a location within the city with better conditions.
- The company has used the ORR office for about nine years, describing the area as both “office + home,” which shows its long-standing presence.
Broader Concerns & Reactions:
- Other tech leaders and public figures have responded. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai described the situation as a “big failure of governance in Bengaluru.”
- Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also warned that the situation is serious and called for urgent remedial action.
- The Greater Bengaluru IT Companies & Industries Association has urged the government to create a transparent roadmap to improve roads, metro connectivity, and utilities, emphasizing that many businesses are being negatively impacted.
What Officials Say & Government Promises:
- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister & Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that ₹1,100 crore has been allocated for repairing and constructing roads across the city.
- He also promised that road repair work and timelines would be submitted, with accountability (including traffic police involvement), to ensure potholes are filled and infrastructure is improved.
Conclusion:
BlackBuck’s decision to leave its Bellandur office on ORR shines a spotlight on Bengaluru’s infrastructure woes. It’s not just about a single company: it reflects broader issues affecting many commuters, firms, and the urban fabric. With prolonged traffic, badly maintained roads, and little sign of change in the short term, businesses are increasingly pressured to seek better alternatives. Whether the large allocation of funds will translate into visible improvements remains to be seen.
