Amazon India is planning to relocate its headquarters in Bengaluru from the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Malleswaram to a new office near the city's airport, a move aimed at reducing operational costs. The company will vacate around 500,000 square feet of office space spread across 18 floors at the WTC, which is owned by Brigade Enterprises Ltd. The new location, owned by the Sattva Group, offers rent that is reportedly less than a third of the Rs 250 per square foot that Amazon currently pays at the WTC.
The relocation process is expected to start in April 2025 and finish by April 2026. The new office will be situated about 20 kilometers from the WTC, approximately a 15-minute drive from Bengaluru Airport. However, the area lacks metro rail connectivity at present, which could create commuting challenges, particularly during peak traffic hours.
While Brigade Enterprises has confirmed that Amazon has not ended its lease at the WTC, they clarified that the company continues to maintain its lease for now. The WTC complex, part of the larger Brigade Gateway integrated development, is conveniently located for Amazon employees, with amenities like a shopping mall, hospital, school, and residential flats.
The move may impact employee commuting times, as travel during peak traffic could extend beyond 80 minutes. Although there are plans to improve metro connectivity in the airport corridor, current public transport options remain limited.
Amazon's decision to vacate such a large space could also have ripple effects on Bengaluru's real estate market. Brigade Enterprises may face challenges in filling the vacant office space, potentially affecting demand for nearby residential rentals. On the other hand, the relocation could bolster the airport corridor as a commercial hub, attracting more businesses like Infosys, Boeing, and Foxconn that have already invested in the area.Â
Amazon plans to develop a modern campus at the new location, focused on enhancing employee collaboration and experience, though further details about the new space have not been disclosed.
