Hot, but happening?

HOT, BUT HAPPENING?
It’s ‘the’ place to be. And the growing number of foreign residents prove it. But is Bangalore good to live in?
The Times of India

TODAY, it’s the world’s destination of choice. While an article in a leading New York newspaper referred to Bangalore as “the centre of gravity”, an American biz student said: “All the business is coming to India, and I don’t see why I shouldn’t follow the business...it makes me more valuable.” New avenues are opening up, real estate is booming, heads of state are bypassing Delhi to head straight here. But is Bangalore happening with the outside world? Or are there too many potholes on the way to international megacity-dom? BT asks resident expats.

Love it, hate it
Says resident Ingrid Everall, “Bangaloreans are friendly and more willing to accept foreigners than Delhi or Mumbai.” But not every expat is as complimentary. Said one, “I’ve nothing positive to say. The infrastructure is terrible.” Telecom head Sean Dexter, says, “There are two types of expats — those who love India and others who find it impossible to adjust. With the nature of the country, you must go with the flow, understand the frustrations and enjoy the place.” Verdict: Great city, gone wrong

Hotter? — only literally
Everall says many changes for the worse have happened in the name of progress. Believes Dexter, whether expats or Indians, frustrations are similar. “There are traffic, power and water shortages. There’s talk about the metro and improving roads, but they must stop talking and start doing.” Verdict: Action, now!

Traffic: all jammed up Australian global property advisor Robbie Fallon admits Bangalore traffic is scary, and common road courtesy lacking. “I understand the need to look after self, but with discipline the situation wouldn’t be so bad.” British market data manager David Bentley believes traffic problems impact everything. “Even with a transport department in place, we struggle to get people to office on time.” Verdict: Hell on wheels

Safe, not sorry
Safety got a general thumbs up. Says Swedish expat Lena Falk, “I feel quite safe. I walk less here than abroad, so that’s a factor.” Fallon says he’s never felt threatened despite the crowds. Dexter says, “On the whole, it’s safe to stroll down MG Road or Church Street after an evening at the pub. Just be aware of unwritten rules and follow them.” Fallon adds, “My fiancee dislikes getting stared at. It doesn’t bother me, only sometimes it’s too much. But we must adjust.” Verdict: It’s alright

Let’s party, but where?
According to Fallon, many city pubs are world-class. “There’s no shortage of options and the social life is pretty good. But except for eating, drinking and shopping, there isn’t much to do.”
Bentley says the recent spate of pub raids seem disproportionate to foreigners. “Expats are used to a lifestyle where it’s normal to go out for a drink. We work late with UK or US-based clients, often finishing after 11 pm. It’s frustrating to find everything closed then.” But Dexter feels one shouldn’t comment on the norms in a country as complex as India. “We must respect the culture of another country. Here, there’s massive development at one level and a conservative approach at the other. You must strike the right balance.” Verdict: Not quite cosmopolitan

Wake-up call
Lena Falk finds it strange that people keep private spaces so well, but not surrounding areas. “And I don’t think power cuts or water shortages should exist in a city with a reputation of being a IT hub worldwide.” Says Dexter, “Bangalore would be much better if infrastructure could keep pace. Infrastructure is what multinationals look for. The wake-up call has come and gone many times over.” Verdict: Wake up, Bangalore!