A recent social media post by a CEO and founder has ignited a debate about the urban development of two major Indian cities: Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. Praising Ahmedabad for its superior infrastructure, the CEO boldly claimed that the Gujarat city is “at least 10 years ahead” of Bengaluru in terms of road quality, traffic management, and overall urban planning.
Ahmedabad’s Superior Infrastructure
The CEO’s post highlighted several areas where he felt Ahmedabad outshined Bengaluru. He pointed to clean, wide roads and well-maintained footpaths as key indicators of the city’s forward-thinking infrastructure. He emphasized the effectiveness of traffic management in Ahmedabad, particularly the traffic signals, which he noted come with working timers and bright lights. According to him, this simple yet impactful feature significantly reduces driver anxiety and encourages patience on the roads.
In contrast, he described Bengaluru’s roads as dusty, with traffic signals often being invisible or non-functional, which he believes contributes to frustration among drivers. “Looking at Bangalore, I used to believe that Indian road quality is going down. After looking at Ahmedabad, I realized that it’s not India, it’s just Bangalore!” the CEO remarked, noting that potholes were notably absent from Ahmedabad’s roads.
The Impact on People’s Mood
The CEO also drew attention to the mood of people in both cities. He stated that Ahmedabad appeared to be brighter and more lively, with people generally happy and smiling. On the other hand, he described Bengaluru as dark and dreary, pointing out that even basic streetlights were not functioning properly in parts of the city. He speculated that the lack of proper lighting could be contributing to a general sense of sadness and anger among Bengaluru’s residents.
“Is that why people are generally sad and angry in Bangalore?” he questioned, making a direct connection between the city’s infrastructure issues and the emotional state of its people.
Public Reaction and Debate
The CEO’s post, which garnered over one million views, sparked a heated debate online. While some users agreed with his observations, others offered a counterpoint, particularly in regard to the economic growth and job opportunities available in Bengaluru.
One user remarked, “These comparisons are meaningless. How about the growth of Ahmedabad? Bengaluru is 25 years ahead in the tech ecosystem.” Another user countered, saying, “Bangalore is at least 20 years ahead of Ahmedabad in terms of providing job opportunities.”
However, there were also many who supported the CEO’s assessment of Ahmedabad’s infrastructure. “True, Ahmedabad’s urban planning and infrastructure have set a great example,” one user wrote. Another added, “I am in Ahmedabad after 6 years and currently in awe. Traffic is moving so well that you don’t see traffic jams at all.”
Conclusion
The comparison between Ahmedabad and Bengaluru has stirred diverse opinions, with some praising Ahmedabad’s urban planning and efficient traffic management, while others pointed out Bengaluru’s lead in the technology sector and economic growth. While both cities continue to evolve and improve, it is clear that the quality of infrastructure plays a significant role in shaping the day-to-day lives of their residents.
As urban development remains a key focus for cities across India, the conversation sparked by the CEO’s remarks underscores the need for a balanced approach that not only addresses infrastructure issues but also supports the growth of industries that drive the economy.
