- The Silicon Valley of India, aka the Garden City, aka the most happening startup city, and the fastest growing metro Bengaluru finds itself in the limelight for failing to provide something basic as commutable roads is a matter of great shame to the state’s governance and administration. People calling Bengaluru home are blessed to have such salubrious weather conditions dotting the city year long. The moderate weather patterns in Bengaluru make living in the city such a pleasure that it is little wonder people from around the country profoundly prefer to make their presence felt here. Yes, Bengaluru not so long ago used to be termed as the pensioner’s paradise what with scores of retired professionals choosing the city to spend their post-retirement life.
PC: The Economic Times
- Yes, the information technology boom witnessed in the early 21st century in the city made Karnataka one of the most attractive destinations for investors, professionals, and Big Tech to thong in hordes. The economy of the state grew robustly thanks to the then-adequate infrastructure and logistical support extended by the government. However, the exponential growth witnessed in cutting-edge information technology-related verticals can no longer be supported by the infrastructural requirements commensurate with the action unfolding on the economic front is a sad outcome of poor urban planning, lack of vision, absence of foresight, and general lack of commitment from the city planners. The results are there for all to witness.
- The primary requirement for any economic growth activity to be sustained over a long period is the anticipation, planning, vision, mission, and provision of infrastructure facilities by initiating measures to attract funds, investments, and leadership skills perpetually. However, what must be bothering the city dwellers is the apathetic disposition of the political class for not rising to the occasion to ensure the entrepreneurship phenomenon/spirit does not sustain hindrances for lack of administrative support. Any economy flourishing on expected lines must be endowed with basic amenities like commutable roads, an uninterrupted power supply, a steady supply of professionals, a smooth law and order situation, and a proactive government mechanism.
PC: Mint
- Unfortunately, Bengaluru’s roads and the growing traffic snarls combined with an apathetic administration not rising to the occasion to ensure basic commutable roads are provisioned on priority means the commuters are not only worried about saving their lives but also are indirectly contributing to the loss of productivity to the overall economic activity itself. The roads filled with potholes and craters make for poor visuals questioning the government’s commitment to fulfill its obligations. Blaming the erratic weather patterns for the government’s failure will not cut ice with the discerning public anymore. Inviting investors by laying out a red carpet but miserably failing to provide as simple as commutable roads is simply unacceptable. Will the authorities act now?
