Wipro founder-chairman Azim Premji has declined Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's request to allow vehicular movement through the company's Sarjapur campus in Bengaluru. This decision comes as part of efforts to alleviate traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), particularly at Iblur Junction.

In a letter dated September 19, Siddaramaiah suggested that permitting limited traffic through the Wipro campus could reduce congestion by nearly 30% during peak hours. He emphasized that this collaboration could enhance commuter experience and contribute to a more efficient Bengaluru. However, in his response, Premji stated that opening the campus for public traffic is not feasible due to significant legal, governance, and statutory challenges. He noted that the Sarjapur facility is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with strict compliance requirements and access control norms.

Premji expressed concern that allowing public vehicles on private property would not provide a sustainable long-term solution to the city's traffic issues. He acknowledged the complexity of the congestion problem, which arises from multiple factors, and suggested that a comprehensive scientific study led by urban transport experts would be a more effective approach. This study could help develop a holistic roadmap for addressing Bengaluru's mobility challenges.

Despite declining the request, Premji reaffirmed Wipro's commitment to partnering with the Karnataka government to find lasting solutions for the city's traffic woes. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the congestion along the ORR, which is crucial for the region's export-oriented industries and global technology services.