The growing crisis of Bengaluru’s traffic congestion has led the state’s chief minister to ask for corporate interventions. The Karnataka Chief Minister appealed to Wipro to open its Sarjapur campus road for public vehicles.
Azim Premji mentioned in a formal letter about the seriousness of the situation, but also cited certain reasons why opening the private SEZ campus is not a great option. He asked for the need for systemic, long-term planning.
Legal, contractual, and other concerns
The letter mentions that Premji considers the Sarjapur campus to be a separate Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is bound by certain global compliance rules and access norms. He also made clear that public vehicular movement through private SEZ property will be a legal and governance challenge. He is restricted by statutory contracts and the company’s service promises to its international clients.
If the public traffic is allowed, it would neither solve nor sustainably help the Outer Ring Road’s chronic traffic problems, and could compromise security and business programs for Wipro.
Pushing for a scientific, holistic fix
Premji puts stress on the Bengaluru traffic issue, putting vital importance on the Outer Ring Road corridor, which is too complex for several interventions. Premji has proposed an important scientific study under the leadership of an urban transport expert of international repute to which will plan effective, implementable solutions. Wipro has promised to partially take part in the cost, offering corporate partnership and resources towards a data-driven transport policy for the city.
Azim Premji’s letter shows a wish to help collaboration while talking about the problems of quick fixes on private property. The holistic approach gives an answer and a need for stakeholder-driven, sustainable urban help as Bengaluru aims to solve its escalating mobility crisis.
