Is Mumbai taking a step back?
Mumbai has often been hailed as the hustle bustle center of India. It is famously known as the financial capital of India with the city housing all the top banking firms in its center. It was often called as a city of dreams because of the extravagant lifestyle and the spirit of the people. Hearing the same in 2024 may not be an easy thing. While the spirit of the residents of Mumbai still upholds itself, the city is failing to do justice to its residents and seems to be taking a step back in this fast-paced world where advancement is the only constant.
While there is heavy infrastructure development happening in Mumbai, indicating a step forward, the city is also taking 2 steps backward during the same process. Mumbai is slowly fading away from being a financial hub or being the most sought-after city in India. The reason for this also reflects the priorities of the citizens who are more concerned on the quality of life rather than the moolah that is raked in while working in Mumbai. So, what is ailing the city that ceases itself from moving ahead in the world of development.
1. Laxity in adoption of technology: Mumbai and its authorities are lacking heavily in adopting new technologies to ease the life of its residents. Digiyatra, an application initiated by the government of India to ease airport travel for passengers is prevalent in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, but Mumbai has failed to adopt it completely despite it being active for over a year. Across 2 airports, there is one kiosk for Digiyatra which malfunctions 50% of the time and there is no provision for the same inside the airport. Compare this to a smaller airport like that of Kolkata where the time for a passenger to go from entry gate to boarding gate has reduced by 50%, Mumbai has failed to adopt the same and even attempt to ease the life of the passengers.
2. Time to compete in AQI: Mumbai used to pride itself in having a clean air. The past 2 years has seen Mumbai take up competition with the national competition in having the higher Air Quality Index. This high number is coming despite the absence of any stubble burning or cold weather. The pollution levels have alleviated any possibility of great views of the Bandra Worli Sea link which used to be a mesmerizing sight.
3. An opportunity to dig roads: Infrastructure development is for the betterment of its citizens, but unplanned development is a pain for the commuters. Mumbai has almost every corner dug up owing to road construction or metro construction. In fact, the constructed roads do not have a smooth ride as well with most of them being constructed in a piece meal fashion. Smaller cities and even the farther eastern cities like Guwahati can boast of roads which will not give commuters back pains and bumpy rides.
Mumbai, indeed, is taking a backward step and the government seems to indicate the same. The inception of GIFT city in Gujarat is an indication that the financial hub of India could soon be moving away from Mumbai which will rob it of whatever charm the city has left. It is high time that the authorities across the state pull up their socks and put double the effort to outweigh the backward steps before it becomes the dreaded city or Siberia of India.
