‘Roads So Bad, Garbage Around’: Kiran Majumdar Shaw Shares Overseas Visitor's Reaction On Bengaluru

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 09:49 IST

Karnataka government has launched “Mission Free Traffic-2026,” a 90-day initiative targeting the repair and resurfacing of 1,600 km of Bengaluru’s roads.

Left: Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw; Right: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar

Biocon founder Kiran Majumdar Shaw recently shared an embarrassing incident involving an overseas business visitor at her Biocon Park office in Bengaluru. The visitor reportedly commented on the city’s poor roads and open garbage, contrasting it with China’s infrastructure standards.

“I had an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park who said, ‘Why are the roads so bad and why is there so much garbage around? Doesn’t the government want to support investment? I have just come from China and can’t understand why India can’t get its act together, especially when the winds are favourable?’" Shaw posted on X, tagging state leaders including Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar, and Priyank Kharge.

Bengaluru infrastructure woes

In response to growing criticism, the Karnataka government has launched “Mission Free Traffic-2026," a 90-day initiative targeting the repair and resurfacing of 1,600 km of Bengaluru’s roads. The plan includes pothole filling, road upgrades, public awareness campaigns, and private sector engagement to maintain roads and cleanliness. Authorities hope the plan will improve traffic flow and infrastructure quality by March 2026.

Recently, Rajesh Yabaji, co-founder and CEO of logistics startup BlackBuck, announced relocating from Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) due to worsening road conditions. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai called the situation a “big failure of governance," urging state authorities to intervene.

Ongoing metro construction along key stretches, including parts of ORR, exacerbates traffic congestion. AI-powered cameras now enforce traffic rules, yet illegal parking and one-way violations continue to worsen commuter delays.

Tech workers and residents have called for temporary closure of IT parks to prioritise road, drainage, and flyover repairs.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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