Articles by Srinivas Alavilli

There is a huge difference between perception and reality. There is a certain image built about politicians and IAS officers that gets amplified by social media posts - usually a reaction to some headline, a quote, an incident that triggers outrage. But when you actually try and engage and work with politicians and officers, you will find many of them to be sincere, knowledgeable and passionate about their job and committed to positive change in their own ways. We don't talk about it much but many of us know, this is true. The wheels of the city move forward despite…

We are all frustrated about lack of urban governance - garbage, pot holes, flooding, dengue, traffic, we bear the brunt of it all, day in and day out. Almost every week there is a protest some place or other, a human chain, a petition, signature campaigns. WhatsApp groups are born every day for some cause or other. Citizens go to MLAs, MPs, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, anyone willing to listen to their complaints. Media events like 'Jana Spandana' are housefull with lots of people waiting to air their grievances. But all these - local issues - are supposed to…

Two years ago on this day 8000 Bengalureans formed a human chain saying #SteelFlyoverBeda. The unprecedented public opposition forced the government to scrap the controversial 6.7 km ₹2000 crore steel flyover. CfB was born out of this citizen movement. To mark the second anniversary of citizens coming together, today CfB met the Mayor of Bengaluru and urged her to institute monthly ward committee meetings starting Nov 1st. Attached the letter submitted to the Mayor. Srinivas Alavilli, one of the founders of CfB said “I always look at #SteelFlyoverBeda as a tipping point - that infused fresh energy into citizen activism…

Thanks to the Chief Minister, (the proposed 18%) bus fare hike has been put on hold, temporarily, we are told. This is good news but not good enough. Increasing bus fares is the absolutely last thing we need in our city. It is true that diesel prices have gone up and the transport company (BMTC) needs to deal with that, but I appeal to the CM to find the money to actually reduce the fares for the following reasons. BMTC is the lifeline of Bengaluru. We have 60 lakh two-wheelers, 15 lakh cars but just 6500 buses and they carry…

On behalf of thousands of Bengalureans and more than 40 different organizations that took part in #ModaluTrainBeku on 31st August, we humbly present the following for your immediate action. The yatra revealed the great potential of suburban trains and lakhs of Bengalureans are now aware of the option thanks to the media coverage. We cannot afford to lose one more day of delay in commissioning suburban train services. We appreciate your willingness to address these issues in a timely manner by ensuring various departments work together in close coordination to help the people of Bengaluru, stuck in traffic. Immediately actionable…

One may not know Lalbagh or Cubbon Park. They may not have heard of Malleswaram or Basavanagudi. Bull temple, Commercial Street, City Market alien words. You can be sure they never heard 'pete', 'kote' and 'kere' But we can be pretty sure everyone heard about the burning, frothing lake - "Bellandur" is as famous as our traffic. I can safely bet you did not know there is also a Railway Station at Bellandur. Yes, Bellandur Road (BLRR) station is a functional railway station with single platform. As the picture indicates, it is quite a sight and photographer's delight. Bellandur Road…

From Davanagere to Denmark, they discuss namma traffic. From Shivamogga to Sunnyvale, silk board has a reputation. But how did we get here? Could it have been avoided? We believe so. Unlike any other metro, Bengaluru did not get the benefits of a mass public transport system in all these years. Bus is our only lifeline carrying nearly 45 lakh passengers every day - with hardly 6500 buses and no attention given to it. We have the highest bus fares in the country! Metro is being built now and it will take another six years before it connects most of…

Opportunity cost' is defined as "cost of a missed opportunity". We may never know the opportunity cost of missing out on suburban train in Bengaluru. The amazing video about Mumbai local aka suburban train is now going viral. People heard about Mumbai local and many experienced it, but the video shows what a powerful system they have built over decades. I remember watching those old Hindi movies where the actors are seen cutting vegetables on their briefcases while commuting! Our campaign #ModaluTrainBeku #ElevatedCorridorBeda this past weekend and that viral video resulted in renewed interest in suburban trains - what Citizens…

Congratulations to Namma Metro on completing one year of service on Phase I. Phase I has been a boon to (South-West) Bengaluru and with the addition of two new coaches to every train, it will lead to even more passengers using metro. Our gratitude to all the staff of Namma Metro for working hard to make this milestone happen. We all know that the root cause of traffic problems in Bengaluru is the massive growth and lack of corresponding investment in public transport - other big cities had multiple modes of mass public transport - local trains in Mumbai, Chennai…

In response to the terrible fire accident in Kailash bar in Kalasipalya that claimed five innocent lives, the Hon'ble Chairman of the Standing committee on Health (of BBMP) says: "First we will compile a list of bars in the city." Are you kidding me? BBMP does not have a list of bars and pubs and restaurants? I bet every corporator and engineer knows exactly how many bars are there in their ward and how many of them should not be there. You don't need computers for this! They might even have a little notebook in their bulging front pockets with…