Everyone is seeking a BMW in Bengaluru. It is true. But it is also conflicting with many pleasures missing from the city like -four lane highways, beautiful roads, driving pleasure, smooth traffic, or an easy or walkable footpath. Reasons are many – city not designed to accommodate growing population, no proper or speedy planning of public transport, rising income which is leading to more disposable income for buying vehicles, many transferable vehicles from parts of India with rapidly rising migratory population, and somewhere its good weather (Mausam) charming companies to set headquarter here, all contributing to the chaos and shor (noise) in the city.

Bengaluru secured the second spot in the global traffic congestion ranking for city centers during 2022, highlighting the severity of the issue. Still, everyone is seeking BMW?

Today, one of the leading newspapers reported that ‘Bengaluru has now overtaken Delhi as the Indian city with the highest number of private cars, according to the Delhi Statistical Handbook 2023. As of March 31, 2023, Bengaluru had a total of 23.1 lakh private cars, surpassing Delhi’s 20.7 lakh.’

But what does these figures mean to the person who is seeking a BMW? Oh, it is not a BMW you are thinking of. It is the real BMW of a common person – Bike, Metro, and Walk.

Here it is better to take your Bike and avoid the main road where traffic doesn’t move for hours. (You can easily finish a two-hour film or series on your phone or laptop in between the distance of 5kms). Bike will take you through so-called service lanes comprising the many villages to reach your destination. A parallel world view is guaranteed through these lanes. Plus, a promise of cool Bengaluru breeze (Mausam).

Metro is the preferred mode of transportation. Usually packed, but faster than being on the road in between endless traffic.  Metro is witnessing a 30% surge in ridership as per latest reports. You can clearly see it reflects the efficiency of the metro system. But is Metro expansion happening at the pace it should meet the growing need? When it is ready, it’s waiting for someone to inaugurate it on an auspicious date/day.

Walking is a free mode of transportation, faster, but maybe not so safe. To walk here you have to have a very good insurance plan, as traffic management doesn’t exist. You can experience anyone coming from any side without following the very concept of lane driving. Free for all. Still walking will get you to home faster. It also helps you experience the hustle in the city, buy vegetables, enjoy the fragrance of fresh flowers, or catch a good street side meal on the way. A great exercise to bond with your friends, colleagues or family.

So, if one really has to believe that ‘Bengaluru overtaking Delhi as the Indian city with the highest number of private cars’, then I bet the number of people aspiring for a BMW is far greater or maybe record breaking. It is true, everyone is seeking a BMW in Bengaluru, including me.

Next, would be the record to match the air quality with growing number of cars and dreams for BMWs.