1 post tagged “bengaluru”
For those who don't understand Kannada - the local language in Bangalore, India - the translation is "Our Bangalore".
Just got back from a trip to Bengaluru. I have been making annual trips back and changes are perceptible every time – mainly in infrastructure (new underpasses, airport, flyovers…). First, let me talk about what has NOT changed – and just as well: Vidyarthi Bhavan – that timeless eatery on Gandhi Bazar which serves heavenly masala dosas. Actually, it has changed a little – they have made it a little roomier but have not changed the décor. Cool joint on Jayanagar 4th block doesn’t appear to have dimmed in popularity and 4th block itself is as choc-a-bloc as ever.
The traffic situation hasn’t changed much either. The effect of new underpasses or widened roads is offset by the metro related excavations. At least the situation hasn’t worsened and hopefully the metro will be a long term fix. Tree felling because of the metro is another hot button issue in Bangalore right now. Looks like a lot of pain to be borne before there can be gain. Metro excavations seem to be everywhere and the green metro barriers have become a fixture.
The garden that we used to go for walks in hasn’t changed much – and the little change that there has been is for the better. Caught up with some of the regulars over there.
Now for what has changed. There is a spanking new airport. It’s been there for about a year but this is the first time I used it. It is pretty good and well run and quite up to international standards though on the smaller side.
Volvo buses run by the local metropolitian transport agency (BMTC) appear to be fairly popular now.
There are some transportation hubs are coming in various parts of the city – which integrate parking, bus stops, shops etc. It’ll be good if a strong public transport based foundation takes shape. My guess is that Bengaluru circa 2013 will be a much more pleasant place to live in as a lot of the transportation projects would be completed. But then the city has defied pundits before (and I don't profess to be one) - so fingers crossed.
