Union minister Nitin Gadkari has assured Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw that Hosur Road in Hebbagodi will be restored to good condition by the end of April 2026. This commitment comes after Shaw raised concerns about the road's poor condition on social media earlier this month.
Concerns Raised by Biocon Chairperson
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw criticised the condition of Hosur Road (NH-44) on X, calling it poorly designed and badly maintained. She highlighted the lack of response to repeated complaints from commuters and residents.
NHAI Explains Heavy Traffic Pressure
The National Highways Authority of India stated that the stretch, completed in 2010, now faces heavy traffic due to rapid urban growth, which has increased pressure on the road infrastructure. The highway was not designed for the current volume of vehicles.
Meeting with Union Minister Gadkari
Following her concerns, Shaw met Nitin Gadkari, where he acknowledged the issue, expressed concern over the poor condition of the highway, and promised to take corrective measures soon. Shaw said Gadkari was upset about the state of the national highway and assured her that steps would be taken.
Traffic Issues Near Metro Station
Shaw also highlighted daily traffic congestion near the Biocon Hebbagodi Metro station, pointing out the difficulties faced by commuters travelling through that area on a regular basis. The congestion adds to the overall strain on the infrastructure.
Employees Shift to Public Transport
Over 1,000 Biocon employees have moved from private vehicles to public transport as part of a corporate mobility programme aimed at reducing traffic congestion and lowering vehicular emissions in Bengaluru. This initiative is a step towards sustainable commuting.
STAMP Mobility Initiative Launched
The initiative, STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour, has been developed by WRI India in collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation. It encourages sustainable commuting options among employees in the city.
App Supports Easy Commuting
A dedicated app helps employees plan, track and pay for journeys using metro, buses and feeder services. It offers real-time updates, ticketing support, and smooth multimodal connectivity across transport systems, making public transport more accessible.
Call for Corporate Participation
BMRCL MD Maheshwar Rao urged corporate organisations to adopt similar mobility strategies. He stated that aligning corporate policies with city infrastructure can help reduce congestion and improve Bengaluru’s overall liveability.
