Thursday, September 10, 2009
by Arun Mathew
Note: English is a funny language and you need to have an OPEN MIND to be able to take it in the right sense. Unfortunately, that is not the case with many of our readers! After a series of discussions with bloggers and members of the community, we have decided to edit and remove certain excerpts on this blog which refers to any particular cities, communities or individuals and which probably hurts sentiments of people who are working very very hard for the progress of their cities or communities and to see their cities Rise ;).
Again, sadly, the truth remains and let us all try to change that!
Sad but True! Are we not tired talking about 'mega' stuff like ports, malls, research institutions & technology parks here? They will all come, surely, but rather slowly. That is the Kerala model of development and the common complaint is that it gets painfully slower in this part of the state.
What this capital city needs urgently along with other parts of the state is good infrastructure. I mean, hey who is gonna invest in your city if we do not have the basic infrastructure in place? That includes not just roads and other public infra, but social infrastructure too.
The other day, I was told by this development freak and a senior and leading businessman about why things don't just fall in place in this city. His explanation was "there is nobody to vouch for this city, most influential people & politicians here are from other parts of the state". How very true!
Wherever you are, you are the taxpayer and you expect returns. At least a smooth ride to work? That ride to work is something that could make or break your day?
I wake up every morning "Oh Lord, tell me which route I should take to work today? The one with real roads but too many buses parked in the middle of the narrow road or the crater-ridden roller coaster ride or how about that road which reminds me of step farming?"
We are moving to PrimeTimeCurry shortly, this will talk about everything from curry, sushi and tofu to our Sami, Jap and Mexican friends and maybe even our personal lives. There is a large world out there and having seen quite a bit of it, it is time to think global and not let our brains shrink.
See you there!
Again, sadly, the truth remains and let us all try to change that!
Sad but True! Are we not tired talking about 'mega' stuff like ports, malls, research institutions & technology parks here? They will all come, surely, but rather slowly. That is the Kerala model of development and the common complaint is that it gets painfully slower in this part of the state.
What this capital city needs urgently along with other parts of the state is good infrastructure. I mean, hey who is gonna invest in your city if we do not have the basic infrastructure in place? That includes not just roads and other public infra, but social infrastructure too.
The other day, I was told by this development freak and a senior and leading businessman about why things don't just fall in place in this city. His explanation was "there is nobody to vouch for this city, most influential people & politicians here are from other parts of the state". How very true!
Wherever you are, you are the taxpayer and you expect returns. At least a smooth ride to work? That ride to work is something that could make or break your day?
I wake up every morning "Oh Lord, tell me which route I should take to work today? The one with real roads but too many buses parked in the middle of the narrow road or the crater-ridden roller coaster ride or how about that road which reminds me of step farming?"
We are moving to PrimeTimeCurry shortly, this will talk about everything from curry, sushi and tofu to our Sami, Jap and Mexican friends and maybe even our personal lives. There is a large world out there and having seen quite a bit of it, it is time to think global and not let our brains shrink.
See you there!
PS: All Blog Photos will be shortly uploaded to Flickr or the like and the link pasted here. Also, IBN Citizen Journalist and Metro Manorama links will be shortly up here. Thanks for your time!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
by Arun Mathew
I am just back after spending Onam in my hometown in the Central Travancore and I have to say we have some very very bad roads! After more than 300kms of smooth surfaces, this is what I had to endure in the last few days.
Marappalam - Pattom Rd.
Downhill from Kumarapuram
Akkulam - NH Bypass Rd.
Ulloor - Akkulam Rd.
NH Bypass - Poonthi Rd.
Somewhere near Karamana
Enroute Pattom
Saturday, September 5, 2009
by Arun Mathew
These are shots of road and traffic conditions from Trivandrum, dating back to maybe even 2006. In 2009, not much has changed around here, a few traffic lights and diversions are the only marked difference one can see. Otherwise, things have gotten worse especially down on the road, with all the digging up in the name of drinking water supply. Most roads leading to the city's favorite employer - Technopark, are either dug up or too narrow with too many bus stops.
What this city needs is basic infrastructure everywhere. Instead of emphasizing mega projects which in the current scenario may never see the light of day, administrators should concentrate on improving basic infrastructure.
You do not have to write essays for constructive criticism. It is quite simple. Even a layman knows that you need tar to fill potholes. I wish someone did something about it.
Meanwhile, enjoy the Pictures and open your eyes to Reality.
The Good, Bad, Ugly, Old and New!
These are pictures of places that have not really changed - be it 2005, 6, 7, 8 or 2009! If anyone is interested in yearly versions of these spots, please send me an email.
Kowdiar
Sreekariyam (Bus Stop in the middle of 'road')
Akkulam
NH Bye-pass (no street-lighting whatsoever)
MG Road
Medical College
