Bengaluru-based CEO, Rajesh Yabaji, departs after nearly a decade; cause disclosed
In a move that underscores the impact of urban infrastructure on business operations, Rajesh Kumar Yabaji, co-founder and CEO of BlackBuck, has announced the digital trucking platform's relocation from its Bellandur office, a decision nine years in the making.
For years, BlackBuck has called the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Bellandur home. However, the deteriorating roads, clogged drains, and long employee commutes have made it increasingly difficult to continue there.
Yabaji, known for prioritizing employee well-being, reinforces this commitment with this move. He has voiced concerns about the traffic challenges, stating that roads are full of potholes and dust, and there's a low intent to get them rectified. Employee commutes in Bellandur have become unbearable, with travel times exceeding 1.5 hours each way.
The infrastructure in Bellandur is in a state of disrepair, a perception shared by many, including BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, who expressed concern that poor infrastructure could drive away talent and investment. Mohandas Pai, former Infosys CFO, considered BlackBuck's move a 'big failure of governance in Bengaluru.'
The Deputy Chief Minister of Bengaluru acknowledged that the city was not planned and fixing things takes time. Yet, Yabaji does not expect improvements in the road conditions within the next five years.
The move draws attention to the crumbling infrastructure in Bellandur, once a thriving tech hub, now notorious for its poor conditions. Some on social media criticize local representatives for their inaction regarding the infrastructure in Bengaluru.
Despite the challenges, many applaud Yabaji for prioritizing employee welfare. BlackBuck will leave the city of Bangalore, and the relocation is expected to take place by the end of 2023.
Meanwhile, the conversation continues about the importance of better city planning and maintenance for the future of Bengaluru. (Also Read: Cybercrime Horror: Hyderabad Retired Doctor Harassed By Fraudsters, Dies After Rs 6.6 Lakh Scam)
