Harsh Goenka Sparks Debate Over Bengaluru’s Growth, Traffic Woes: 'Once Upon A Time...'

RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka has sparked a discussion about Bengaluru's evolving landscape with a recent post on X.

Sharing a photograph of Infosys co-founders Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani, Goenka reflected on the city's transformation from a peaceful retreat to a traffic-clogged metropolis.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/hvgoenka

"Once upon a time, Bengaluru was a serene haven-morning walks in Cubbon Park, leisurely drives in a Premier Padmini, and lazy afternoons spent in quaint bookstores. Then, a few bright IITians got some seed money from their better halves, and now... we spend more time stuck on Outer Ring Road than enjoying the 'Garden City' breeze. Progress, they call it!" he wrote.

How Did Social Media React?

Responses to Harsh Goenka's post were divided, with some agreeing that Bengaluru's infrastructure had deteriorated, while others defended the city's growth and the contributions of its tech pioneers.

One user pointed out that while Bengaluru had great potential, its rapid expansion over the past two decades had often come at the expense of proper urban planning.

"Even today, the roads and infrastructure in the old parts of the city-the true 'Garden City'-are better than the so-called developed areas. While NR Narayana Murthy can be criticised for throttling innovation in tech, he can't be blamed for the pathetic state of Bengaluru's infrastructure," they wrote.

Another user attributed the issues to politicians and property developers, stating, "The real culprits are the politicians and the builder lobby. They encroached on lakes, failed to construct proper roads, and neglected sustainable urban planning."

Some responded with sarcasm, joking that Bengaluru had shifted from being a city of tranquil parks to a "park and ride" city, where vehicles spend more time stationary than moving. "Bengaluru's transformation is a case study in urban evolution. Thank you, IITians and Infosys!" one user quipped.

However, others defended the city's progress, arguing that development inevitably brings challenges. "Dear, please grow up. Development comes at a certain cost. Overcrowding is collateral damage. The very people you criticise have created job opportunities for many, including myself," one user responded.

A few dismissed Goenka's post as misplaced criticism, calling it "frustration and jealousy" towards self-made entrepreneurs. "What's the link between Bengaluru's congestion and IITians? This is just another rant from someone born with a silver spoon," another user remarked.