On May 10, PM Narendra Modi addressed a public gathering in Hyderabad, urging a revival of work-from-home practices amid rising fuel prices and the ongoing West Asia oil crisis. He argued that such measures could help conserve foreign exchange and alleviate economic pressure. In Bengaluru, India's IT capital, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with many employees expressing relief after years of advocating for hybrid work models to combat severe traffic congestion. The average one-way commute in Bengaluru has risen to 63 minutes, exacerbating the daily struggles of IT workers. Many Reddit users reflected on their frustrations with mandatory office attendance, suggesting that the push for work-from-home is not just about productivity but also about reducing unnecessary commuting costs. Bengaluru's Traffic Police had previously proposed a mid-week work-from-home initiative to ease congestion, but it failed to gain traction. Modi's recent appeal could reignite this conversation, but it remains uncertain if the Karnataka government will act on it. The potential shift to hybrid work could significantly impact the city's real estate market, softening rents in IT corridors and changing commuting patterns. However, large IT firms have been resistant to permanent remote work policies, citing productivity concerns. The future of work in Bengaluru may hinge on whether Modi's economic argument can sway corporate culture towards more flexible working arrangements.