Wipro founder chairman Azim Premji on Wednesday turned down Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s request to permit limited vehicular movement through the IT major’s Sarjapur campus in Bengaluru. Premji’s reply came after Siddaramaiah wrote to him on September 19, urging him to consider easing traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) by allowing controlled passage through the company’s premises.
The Chief Minister wrote in the letter that preliminary studies by traffic and mobility experts suggested the move could reduce congestion on adjoining stretches by nearly 30% during peak hours. “Your support in this matter will go a long way in easing traffic bottlenecks, enhancing commuter experience, and contributing to a more efficient and livable Bengaluru. I would greatly appreciate it if your team could engage with our officials to work out a mutually acceptable plan at the earliest,” the letter further read.
Opening the campus not feasible
Premji, in his response, acknowledged the state’s efforts but said that opening the campus was not feasible. “We apprehend significant legal, governance and statutory challenges, since it is an exclusive private property owned by a listed company not intended for public thoroughfare,” he wrote.
He further explained that the Sarjapur facility functions as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), bound by strict compliance and contractual conditions with global clients. These, he said, mandate “stringent, non-negotiable access control norms for governance and compliance”.
Premji also questioned the long-term efficacy of such a measure. “Public vehicular movement through private property would not be effective as a sustainable, long-term solution,” he observed.
‘Wipro stands committed to K’taka govt’
While firmly declining the CM’s request, Premji stressed Wipro’s willingness to partner with the state in finding more durable answers to Bengaluru’s traffic woes. “Wipro nevertheless stands committed to partner with the Government of Karnataka to find a lasting solution for Bengaluru’s mobility challenges,” he said.
He also highlighted the urgency of addressing congestion along the ORR, which serves as a critical hub for export-oriented industries and global technology services.