Mohandas Pai slams Bengaluru infrastructure, warns of investor exit amid poor roads

Bengaluru : Prominent entrepreneur and former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai has launched a sharp attack on the Government of Karnataka over deteriorating infrastructure in Bengaluru, particularly highlighting the city’s pothole-ridden roads.

Taking to social media platform X, Pai shared images of damaged roads and criticised what he termed as “primitive and pathetic” road repair work. His remarks come at a time when concerns are growing within the IT sector over the city’s declining infrastructure standards.

Pai warned that the situation could impact investor confidence and lead to a gradual migration of technology firms to other states. “We are unable to maintain even key roads that serve lakhs of professionals working in global companies. This is shameful,” he said, adding that nearly eight lakh people depend on such infrastructure corridors.

His comments have gained traction following recent concerns raised by industry leaders about companies considering relocation due to urban challenges. Pai cautioned that unless urgent corrective measures are taken, Bengaluru’s reputation as India’s Silicon Valley could be at risk.

The entrepreneur also alleged systemic inefficiencies within governance. He claimed that despite offering multiple suggestions to Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, there has been little improvement on the ground. He further alleged delays in payments to contractors and corruption at various levels, which he said were affecting the quality of infrastructure projects.

Pai also criticised delays in major public projects such as metro and suburban rail, pointing to frequent transfers of officials as a reason for lack of continuity in execution.

The criticism has resonated with citizens, many of whom echoed similar frustrations online. Several users questioned whether Bengaluru still deserved its tag as a global tech hub, citing poor road conditions and civic mismanagement.

Experts believe the government faces a critical challenge in restoring public trust and ensuring sustainable urban development. With the monsoon approaching, authorities have initiated pothole repair drives, but their effectiveness remains to be seen.

Pai also highlighted broader concerns, including declining standards in government schools and vacancies in higher education institutions, warning that these issues could impact the city’s long-term growth and job creation.