Bengaluru most 'dynamic', only if major issues are overlooked

The report, mostly based on factors like growth in real estate and the start-up scene, indeed comes as a surprise to most Bengalureans, whose recent conversations focused on issues like the safety of women in the city, rising racist attacks and apparently unending infrastructure issues. 

While experts and famous personalities welcomed the tag, they raised their concerns about the transport, water, road maintenance and city safety - which was not taken into consideration by JLS while putting up the report.

V Ravichandar, Urban expert, Chairman and MD at Feedback Consulting, said, "The report is based on business aspects and startup perspective. Entrepreneurs and start-ups have found this place suitable for business. Hence it has edged past over 130 cities and emerged number one. However, if issues like solid waste management, traffic and security all have dented Bengaluru's image and pushed it on backfoot," he said.

'Brand Bengaluru' has certainly taken a beating over the past year, adding to the scepticism. In 2016, heavy rains resulted in flooding across the city - trapping thousands and making national news. Similarly, the violent protests over sharing Cauvery river water with Tamil Nadu also brought the city to a halt for days. And the molestation incidents on New Year's Eve became a national conversation about the safety of women in Bengaluru. 

So dynamic yes, but perhaps not growing quite in the preferred direction. 

Karnataka's ruling Congress, naturally, welcomed the news. Former Food and Civil Supplies Minister and Congress Working President Dinesh Gundu Rao - who gave credit to Bengaluru startups and entrepreneurs for being the driving force behind the 'dynamic' tag - said, "Despite the opposition blowing many silly issues out of proportion and trying to bring a bad name to the city administration, people have shown faith in the government. This report is a reflection of our policy," he said.

He also added that the administration would also focus on providing the best of civic amenities and a better environment for start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The real estate sector is even happier as this report, tabled at the world economic forum, will further fuel enthusiasm for real estate in the city. As more businesses pour into the city, the need for office space and housing is only set to rise, driving up the city's financial power.

After the completion of the Metro, that will cover 42 kms of Bengaluru, the reduction in traffic will be a highlight and this will further push for more firms to look towards Bengaluru for opportunities.  

However, on the ground, people whose daily commute involves garbage, broken drains and gridlocked traffic, will have to take a 'wait and watch' approach before adopting the report wholly. 

• Bengaluru
• JLS report