The recent torrential rains in Bengaluru have left the city reeling under water, prompting US-based IT services firm Cognizant to issue a work-from-home (WFH) directive for its employees on May 20. The move comes amid widespread waterlogging and traffic chaos across major tech corridors in India’s IT capital.
Cognizant employs nearly 40,000 professionals in Bengaluru. While it acted swiftly in light of the extreme weather, many other tech giants have not yet responded to the crisis with formal WFH advisories.
Bengaluru’s IT hubs under water
Between May 18 and 20, Bengaluru recorded over 240 mm of rainfall, with Sunday alone accounting for 104 mm — one of the heaviest rainfalls in recent times. This has resulted in severe flooding in localities such as Koramangala, HSR Layout, Marathahalli, BTM Layout, and key stretches like the Silk Board Junction and Hosur Road.
Major flyovers and underpasses were submerged, public transport was disrupted, and several lakes nearly overflowed, forcing authorities to shut down portions of the city’s infrastructure. Manyata Tech Park saw employees turn back due to knee-deep water at entry points.
Tech employees struggle to reach office, expecting WFH for next three days
While Cognizant acted early, companies like Infosys and L&T Technology Services have not issued a city-wide directive yet. Sources suggest that Infosys’ three-day office policy might allow flexibility, and L&T Tech’s informal team-based flexibility continues.
Despite the chaos, employees of several companies scrambled for clarity amidst flooded roads and disrupted services.
Political leaders call for action
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan urged all IT firms to declare WFH for at least two days, citing the public inconvenience. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar assured citizens that the government would take sustainable, long-term steps to solve the city's crumbling infrastructure.
As heavy rain is expected to continue, tech workers in Bengaluru remain hopeful that more IT companies will follow Cognizant’s lead in prioritising employee safety.