Over 500 firms reject WFH proposal, warn of disruption across Bengaluru's tech corridor

More than 500 companies operating along Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road (ORR) have pushed back against a proposal to rely on work-from-home arrangements during a planned road redevelopment project, warning that the move could disrupt a corridor that supports approximately 1.3 million employees.

In a letter dated August 14, the Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA) urged the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to pause proposed white-topping works on the ORR and begin major carriageway improvements only after the Namma Metro becomes operational. The association's concerns were first reported by Moneycontrol.

ORRCA said the proposed roadworks timeline could create significant disruption across one of Bengaluru's most important economic and technology hubs if executed before Metro connectivity becomes available.

Companies oppose work-from-home as a traffic management strategy

A key point of contention is the suggestion that employers could adopt work-from-home arrangements to offset traffic disruption during construction.

ORRCA rejected the idea, stating that remote work should not be treated as a substitute for infrastructure planning.

"Work From Home cannot be a substitute for effective infrastructure planning and traffic management," the association said in its communication to the civic authority.

The association said the corridor serves as a major employment hub and requires careful planning to minimise the impact on businesses, employees and mobility.

Metro-first approach gains support

According to ORRCA, the proposed October 2026 start date appears inconsistent with discussions held during an August 4 town hall chaired by GBA Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao.

The meeting brought together GBA, ORRCA and various government agencies to discuss the proposed ₹450 crore ORR Improvement Programme.

Key points from the discussions included:

• The current target for Metro operational readiness is June 2027
• Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is expected to provide progress updates every two weeks
• Stakeholders broadly agreed that major carriageway works should begin after Metro operations commence
• No final decision was taken on whether white-topping or black-topping should be adopted

ORRCA said poll results presented during the town hall showed that most respondents favoured starting large-scale roadworks only after Metro services become operational.

Industry body seeks technical review before execution

The association has requested that authorities place all activities related to major carriageway works on hold until technical consultations are completed.

The requested pause covers:

• Tendering processes
• Contract awards
• Work orders
• Contractor mobilisation
• Preparatory activities
• Physical execution of major roadworks

ORRCA has also called for a detailed comparison between white-topping and black-topping, covering construction timelines, traffic impact, execution methodology, lifecycle considerations and project phasing.

According to the association, a technical assessment should guide the final decision rather than proceeding directly to execution.

Traffic planning emerges as a major concern

Beyond construction sequencing, ORRCA has sought a comprehensive traffic simulation exercise and diversion strategy developed in consultation with the association and the Bengaluru Traffic Police.

The industry body said coordination between Metro construction schedules and road improvement works would be essential to avoid overlapping disruptions.

The concerns come amid growing scrutiny of Bengaluru's congestion challenges, particularly in the city's technology corridors where employee commute times have become a recurring business issue.

Association backs broader corridor upgrades

ORRCA clarified that it is not opposing the broader redevelopment programme.

The association said ancillary works under the ₹450 crore project can continue, including:

• Utility upgrades
• Storm-water drain improvements
• Footpath development
• Pedestrian infrastructure
• Flood mitigation measures
• Traffic management enhancements

The August 4 discussions also explored additional measures to improve road capacity, including service-road integration, junction redesign, new turning lanes, bridge upgrades, improved median utilisation and enhancements to parallel roads.

ORRCA said its position is aimed at ensuring infrastructure investments are implemented through technical evaluation and stakeholder consultation while limiting disruption to businesses and employees.

The association has requested an urgent meeting with GBA and written confirmation that major carriageway works will remain on hold until the consultation process is completed. The outcome of those discussions could shape how Bengaluru balances long-term infrastructure upgrades with the operational needs of one of its largest employment corridors.