Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has called on the Karnataka government and civic authorities to urgently address Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. Kiran warned that the city’s global reputation as a tech powerhouse risks being overshadowed by its civic shortcomings.
Tagging Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in an X post, Shaw wrote, “Namma Bengaluru has the best talent and the best weather but the worst infrastructure. If we fix garbage, debris and roads, we can be among the best cities in the world. GBA has a great opportunity to do this. Let’s use collective will to do this @DKShivakumar @BBMPCOMM.”
Her comments resonated widely, with several citizens echoing concerns that Bengaluru’s mounting problems of overflowing garbage, battered roads and recurring floods are steadily eroding its stature as India’s tech capital.
Karnataka’s Deputy CM responds
Kiran’s remarks also reached the Deputy CM of Karnataka who acknowledged the challenges. Responding to her on X, DK Shivakumar insisted the government is committed to change. “Agree with you, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Bengaluru has always had the talent, the weather, and the spirit. What it lacked was political will. That’s exactly what we are fixing now,” he wrote.
Agree with you, @kiranshaw avare, Bengaluru has always had the talent, the weather, and the spirit. What it lacked was political will. That’s exactly what we are fixing now.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 28, 2025
From garbage to roads, from debris to planning – every challenge is being addressed with purpose and… https://t.co/uWtxXjH0MF
“From garbage to roads, from debris to planning – every challenge is being addressed with purpose and urgency. Namma (our) Bengaluru has always stood for innovation, opportunity, and unmatched spirit, and as our city grows and pushes boundaries, my commitment is to ensure our infrastructure and governance acts as a catalyst for growth,” he added.
Greater Bengaluru Authority
The government on Tuesday formally constituted the Greater Bengaluru Authority, a 75-member body tasked with coordinating across the five newly carved city corporations. The GBA is expected to serve as a central agency to streamline planning, infrastructure and civic management in the metropolis.
“With the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), we now have a unique opportunity to transform this vision into reality, and we will deliver,” Shivakumar further wrote.
Calling for collective participation, Shivakumar urged businesses, civil society and citizens to join hands with the government. “This is the time to come together and shape a new chapter for Namma Bengaluru. The future is ours to build—together!” he added.