Following heavy rains that battered the city, Bengaluru is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the city and a yellow alert for several other parts of Karnataka. This comes after the city recorded 105 mm of rainfall on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, leading to severe waterlogging, flooding, and traffic disruptions.
In response, Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan on Monday urged all companies to allow employees to work from home, as the city continues to grapple with widespread flooding and heavy traffic snarls. The city recorded 130 mm of rainfall on Monday and remains under a yellow alert issued by the IMD, with heavy showers forecast to continue until Thursday. The early morning downpour flooded several residential areas, with water entering homes in various parts of the city.
Cognizant has reportedly issued a work-from-home directive for its employees on May 20, according to media reports. businessline shared a detailed questionnaire with Cognizant, but it did not elicit a response.
Following Cognizant, Infosys has also issued a work-from-home directive for its employees on May 21, which got extended to Friday, according to sources. In an official communication, the company said, “A yellow alert has been issued for Bengaluru and parts of Karnataka by the IMD, and there is a forecast of continuous rainfall over the next 24 hours. In view of the above, all employees may choose to work from home on Wednesday (May 21, 2025).”
While it was a regular work-from-office day today, an Infosys employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told businessline that the company had not made a formal announcement until later in the day. Employees had been individually seeking flexibility from their managers. Infosys reportedly allows 10 pre-approved work-from-home days per month, with any additional requests requiring managerial approval. Other companies are yet to make official announcements.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Development Minister and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that ₹2,000 crore will be allocated to repair stormwater drains across the city, in an effort to address the recurring issue of urban flooding.
(This is a developing story)
(Report filed by BL intern Nethra Sailesh)