Growth or ruin?

Logged in to growth
The localities in the southern part of the city are set to scale new heights
The Times of India

Bangalore never stops changing. It never stops growing. And it doesn't stop surprising people with its indomitable energy to explore new trends and experiences. Very often in these trends and experiences are opportunities for commercial exploitation that are discovered. The cafes, malls, multiplexes and trendy boutiques are examples of experiences that have translated into commercial enterprise, and consequently changed the city's skyline. And lifestyles.

Bangalore South demonstrates this change effectively. Literally, and in spirit. What began as a location for some IT firms to set up shop at one time has led to a new label this zone goes by. And a new economic dimension spanning a generation. Realty explosion like never before.

The growth and development in the city has defied all predictions. The skyline is changing so fast that all it takes is a few years away from the city to become a stranger to it. Ask anyone who has come back after having been away even for as short a span as three years and he will tell you how different the city looks. The new buildings, shopping centres and more number of cars on

the roads. He will tell you how people have changed along with the place. Attitudes to work and life. Fashion, entertainment, dining out, work cultures.

What's driving this change? What it entails is something near impossible to predict. Bangalore's skyline is an analyst's nightmare. Just as one thinks the peak is here, new heights are scaled. While IT is driving the economy, many factors have combined to drive this change.

To begin with, the New Economy has created working and living spaces of high standards. The southern localities of Bangalore have it all. Campuses, tech parks, duplex flats, and what have you. The realty industry has churned out options to meet the demands and to suit every need. This, in turn, has contributed a new dimension to living and working styles. Spaces today are an experience. They do more than provide shelter. Cutting-edge technology in building environments translates to higher efficiency. Better comforts create a sense of well-being. These are part of the city's properties now.

Bangalore South is where it all began. Even as the IT sector came into being in the city, it began to take root in these localities. The IT Park at Whitefield among the earliest IT hot spots and the Bannerghatta Road played host to the early entrants. With the Electronic City developing into another IT hub, the major roads around were bound to follow suit. The Hosur Road and Kanakapura Road turned into favourites too with their potential for development. Jayanagar, J P Nagar, Banashankari and the localities around with space for residential options heralded a new era in development. Apartments sprung up to cater to the housing needs created by organisations coming up here. The subsequent ancillary development to support the burgeoning populace headed for this part of the city added its own flavour to the area. Be it lifestyle stores or trendy cafes, all that goes to support a thriving economy found a market here. The supermarkets and branded stores alike made a beeline for a piece of the action.

Bangalore South was a textbook case of being in the right place at the right time. The IT sector found it a perfect location with its relative proximity to the city centre and connectivity thanks to the Outer Ring Road. The large tracts of land available and the talent pool here thanks to the proximity to workplaces are proving to be a boon. Even as the state government works hard to put infrastructure in place to cater to this overwhelming demand, more organisations are moving in.

The elevated road to Electronic City, metro rail connectivity, and initiatives on mass transport systems in place of private vehicles are being talked about. Meanwhile, the localities here continue to draw corporates and residents alike. Residents' associations are getting into the act to make the amenities better. Corporates are pitching in to help upgrade civic infrastructure. Everyone is working to ensure this area meets the ever-growing demands on it.

At the end of the day, Bangalore South showcases the city's IT spectacle. And it's a great show. With the corporates and residents working with the civic agencies to put in place infrastructure and aesthetics, this part of Bangalore promises to continue making its way up the growth charts.