The Chennai vs Bangalore debate is as old as
civilisation. I, for one, believe we should ditch this debate and learn good
things from both the sides, like Siddharammaiah, the former CM of Karnataka,
who got inspired by “Amma Unavagams” and introduced his flagship project,
“Indira Canteens” across Karnataka.
Citizen–prioritised
approach in public transportation:
A lot of people would argue Bengaluru has the worst
traffic, which is evidently true too. But, what is notable is the
citizen-friendly approaches in the existing policies.
GPS tracking of
buses:
With the MyBMTC app, real-time bus tracking has
come handy. The app shows the nearest bus stops and the expectancy time for
buses arriving at any stop. One can track buses and plan trips using the app.
The government had roped in Nihar Thakkar, a teen who first introduced it
privately. Though the BMTC data to his app was initially shut, later BMTC made
him develop the government app.
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| Screengrab from MyBMTC app |
The monopoly by MTC in Chennai has cost the
citizens badly. Even though the fleet strength of MTC is alarmingly low and is
functioning in a loss already, there is no valid reason on why private players
should not be allowed.
Bengaluru has plenty of private bus operators in
and around the city, with the same or even lesser fares as in government buses.
People have an option to avoid clinging to the overcrowded buses.
Regularised fares:
When was the last time Chennai had metered autos?
Barring a few, most autos in Bengaluru, charge the
metered fare, which starts at Rs.25 for the first 2kms. This reflects in the
app-based rides as well. Though they add access fees, the fares are reasonable
nevertheless. A quick ola search to find the fare for travelling 5kms in
Bengaluru and Chennai would prove that the later charges around 16% and 100%
more for autos and cabs respectively.
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Along with these, the AC buses (which have vanished miraculously in Chennai) and self-drive bikes and bike taxis have kept away the unsafe share autos. |
The metro extension and the upcoming local trains
would be a game-changer in decongesting Bengaluru roads.
Parks with a human
touch:
We know Bengaluru as “Garden city”, but, what the
outside world does not know is the standard of local parks in Bengaluru. Most
of the parks come with a well-maintained open gym. Also, there are standalone
public gyms, even if there is not enough space for parks.
The parks also have big playing areas with huge
slides, crawling tunnels, and activity panels for children, making it a weekend
recreation centre for the families.
Bengaluru has 1247 developed parks whereas Chennai
has 525 public parks, mostly basic.
ATMs for subsidised drinking water:
How much does a drinking water can of 20 litres
cost? 50Rs. or more depending on our area, right? What if I tell you the
government gives it for 5Rs. In Karnataka?
Yes. The government water ATMs dispense 20litres of
RO purified water on feeding a 5Rs. coin. A Deccan Herald report says there are
1600 functional water ATMs across the state.
The government has encouraged private too in
providing purified drinking water at subsidised rates. Despite certain glitches
like residents exploiting it for commercial purposes, the water ATMs are a
common sight in Bengaluru.
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| Government water ATM |
In 2016, the TN government introduced a similar
scheme, providing RO water to the residents free of cost. But, the project
failed and most outlets were shut shortly. In 2020, Water life, a private
company had set 2 outlets in Chennai, to provide 20 litres of water for 7Rs.
Here is hoping, this should at least see the light of the day.
Imagine shrinking a month’s water expense in less
than a can’s cost. Who does not want to save 90%?
Improvised ‘Amma
unavagams’ as Indira canteens:
Indira canteens are value-added Amma unavagams.
With modernised outdoor eating areas, and a menu and price range to choose
from, this is a good example of adopting existing policies and enhancing it to
suit local demands.
Having personally tried both, Indira canteens prove
to be a better adaptation of Amma unavagams. Firstly, the former looks more
appealing with the spacious eating areas around the canteen. Secondly, Indira
canteens provide 2 options in the menu to choose from, unlike, amma unavagams.
Though both provide large portions of food, taste-wise the former is better,
including the generous serving of dessert for lunch. Also, the quantity of
breakfast shall be customized, in the range of 5 and 10Rs.
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| Indira Canteen |
However, it must be noted that Indira canteens did
not provide free food during lockdown like its TN counterpart.
Despite the fluctuating political patronage, Indira
canteens continue to serve as a common mess for the rich and poor alike.
What policies from
Chennai or your city you think should extend to other cities? Share it in the
comment section.
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Good one. Almost all the information are new to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you sir.
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