MarathaHalli

I have been in Bangalore for only 8 months. Yet to figure out which one is the most beautiful part, but I definitely know the worst part. MarathaHalli. I will post some pictures soon but this blogger summarizes what I feel.

Current Status of road-over-railway bridge: One side was completed 5 months back. The other side is yet to get done, because the central part which runs over the railway line needs to be built by the dept of railways. It is understandable that it would take 2x time when there are 2 govt. depts involved.

Market Area: Marathahalli's market area is unique. It caters to the poor people (these stalls are right on the road), the rich (there are dazzling brand showrooms, interior decoration and furniture shops,), and the middle class. There are several shops which sell "Nike" shoes for 100 Rs, "Van Heusen" shirts for Rs. 199.

Traffic: In theory, the roads are wide enough for 2 lanes on each side. One of these is used by hawkers, people walking on the roads . There is a bus-stop here (no shelter, there is only one small sign). In the evenings, the number of people waiting for a bus runs into hundreds. Buses are usually overcrowded. I saw some old people in the bus, some of them with faces pressed against the rear glass.

Footpath: Exists, but is unusable for several reasons. 1. Very uneven pavement 2. Open drains 3. Other intermittent blocks, like electric poles, support for electric poles.

Powercuts: Street lights are not on because of powercuts.

Rain: When it rains, (even if it does not pour), drains overflow on to the roads.

Wineshops: Throw cheap liquor and poor construction workers into the equation and imagine now, you are walking on the footpath, and there is rain and powercut. Your evening walk can become pretty unpleasant.

This is Maratha'Hell'y.