Credit: Ai
National News: Bengaluru’s traffic congestion has become one of the city’s most pressing issues. In an effort to ease the situation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Wipro founder Azim Premji. He requested that Wipro’s Sarjapur campus road be opened to public vehicles. The CM emphasized that cooperation from leading corporations would help reduce gridlock on the city’s busy Outer Ring Road. His request aimed to build a joint effort between government and private firms.
In his response, Azim Premji recognized that traffic congestion is a major challenge for Bengaluru. He appreciated the Chief Minister’s appeal and the intention behind the request. Premji stated that Wipro has always supported community initiatives and will continue to do so. However, he clarified that certain legal and regulatory conditions prevent the company from allowing public use of its private roads.
The Wipro Sarjapur campus is classified as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). According to SEZ rules, the land and roads inside are meant strictly for business operations. Allowing public traffic would violate these conditions. Premji pointed out that the company has global clients who require high security and controlled access. Opening the campus to public vehicles could compromise both security and compliance with international standards.
Premji explained that Wipro’s obligations extend beyond local governance. Being a multinational corporation, Wipro must adhere to global data security and business continuity commitments. Permitting public entry would expose the campus to risks and potential breaches of compliance. This, he emphasized, was not just a company policy but a binding legal requirement. The refusal, therefore, was not personal but based on binding obligations.
The city of Bengaluru continues to suffer from severe traffic jams, especially around IT corridors. The Outer Ring Road, where several tech parks are located, experiences hours-long congestion daily. While government agencies are working on flyovers, metro expansions, and new road projects, immediate solutions remain limited. This is why officials turned to corporate campuses for temporary relief. However, such attempts have faced legal hurdles.
The CM’s request to Wipro highlighted the expectation that large corporations share responsibility in civic challenges. Companies like Infosys and Wipro employ tens of thousands, significantly impacting city infrastructure. While firms have invested in eco-friendly transport and employee shuttles, authorities believe more support is needed. Premji reiterated that Wipro is committed to Bengaluru’s development but must operate within lawful frameworks.
Despite rejecting this particular request, Premji assured that Wipro will continue cooperating with the government on long-term solutions. Initiatives such as smart traffic systems, technology-enabled monitoring, and green commuting options were suggested. The company expressed willingness to explore partnerships in areas that do not violate SEZ laws. This indicates that while Wipro’s campus roads remain closed, its support for Bengaluru’s civic progress will continue in other forms.
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