Are We Really Shining?

My exams just got over this evening. Of course they went well. Anyways coming to the hotboard now, the other day (around a week ago) I was watching some random program on the Discovery Channel. Some story on 'Megacities' was being aired. They were showing about the rapid pace at which cities in Asia and South America were growing. That episode's prime focus was Shanghai, a well known city in the China and a popular business hub in South Asia. It is analogous to our very own Mumbai. The only difference between the two cities, one is in reaping China and other is in red tape India.

Intros aside, the interesting fact is that Shanghai is going to host the World Expo in 2010. "World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is the occasion for China to bring the world at home, and for the world to feel at home in China. By dedicating a 5.28-square-kilometer area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life," Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living[1].

The rate at which this city is growing is really alarming in the Indian perspective at least. China frankly speaking is growing by leaps and bounds, the pace at which they are growing is such that even the West has started to take notice of it.I hope most of you are aware of the longest Trans-Oceanic Bridge built by the Chinese on the Hangzhou Bay in a record time of less than 5 years. The bridge connects the municipalities of Shanghai and Ningbo in Zhejiang province[2]. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge connects Cixi City, west of Ningbo, to Jiaxing. Whereas previously the trip from Ningbo to Shanghai and southern Jiangsu involved a detour of around 400 km (249 mi), the bridge reduces that distance to 80 km (50 mi), a reduction of 320 km (199 mi)[3]. Now that's staggering.

If that was the Chinese scenario, the Indian scenario is more bleak and pale I would rather say its impalpable. Any idea about the Trans-Harbour bridge in Mumbai. Well if you guys aren't aware of it then it is a 22.5Km long bridge that is supposed to connect South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Ironically this bridge lingering in shadows for 35years. Phew! Thats too long a time. Finally the contract has been awarded to a private party in 2006. The bridge is presently is construction phase.

The above is a literal example of the sorry state of affairs that take place in this country. And ironically we people still say "India Shining". I'm not talking only about the infrastructure side of the story, the above is only a citation in the long list of unfinished businesses in this country which includes everything from basic needs to urban growth. How well it is shining is a matter of concern. So, next time if you are saying India is Shining, well I would say compare ourselves with countries like China or America and then try to repeat your words.

References:

[1] http://en.expo2010.cn/oe/indexn.htm
[2] Wikipeida
[3] Wikipedia