From being a sleepy state capital housing government babus, Bhubaneswar has gone on to become one of the fastest growing tier two cities in the country. But it still lacks many key traits of a modern urban centre, including infrastructure and civic amenities. Here, TOI takes a look at the hurdles that stand in the way of the city of temples acquiring the tag of a cosmopolitan city.
Commuting CHAOS
The public transport system is in a deplorable state. Travelling by public transport is a nightmare most people try to avoid if they can afford their own vehicle. Overcrowded shared autorickshaws on some fixed routes are the mainstay of intra-city commuting. In October 2010, 60 buses started operating under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in Bhubaneswar.
But given the huge rush of daily commuters, these are too less in number. "The city should have a good mass transport facility including a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and train services should be started within the city and on its outskirts," said N K Panda, former chief secretary and president of the Citizens’ Apex Association.
RITES, a central government enterprise and consultancy organisation, has been working on a detailed project report for a BRTS in Bhubaneshwar. Notably, Ahmedabad and Delhi already have such systems.
The Perspective Plan Vision 2030 of the Orissa government for a Bhubaneswar-Cuttack urban complex over an area of 720 square km suggests circular trains for cheaper mass transport within urban areas. "The transport facilities in the city have improved a lot in the last few years, though much more needs to be done," said mayor Anant Narayan Jena.
No multiplexes in sight
Multiplexes are proliferating by the dozen not only in metros but also in comparatively smaller cities like Jaipur and Chandigarh. But Bhubaneswar is yet to get its first multiplex cinema. Though around 20 shopping malls have come up here over the past 10 years, none of them have multiple cinema screens as yet.
"It is surprising that the city is yet to get a multiplex. Even cities like Hyderabad, Guwahati, Gurgaon and Noida have multiple-screen halls, and more than one," said Bibekananda Mohanty, an IT professional.
Real estate developers say it is a matter of less than a year before the city gets its first multiplex. "At least five multiplexes are in the offing. One in Saheed Nagar would be completed in a year’s time," said Real Estate Developers Association (REDA) president Anup Kumar Mohapatra.
international airport yet to take off
The state doesn’t have an international airport. The nearest international airport from Bhubaneswar is 500 km away, in Kolkata. Airports Authority of India (AAI) in July 2006 had announced it would build an integrated international airport complex in the city. It was supposed to upgrade the existing Biju Patnaik airport by investing Rs 250 crore. The project was to be finished by 2010. But sources said the government is yet to finalize land for the airport.
"Without an international airport, we can’t aspire to be even among the top 50 cities in the country," said professor P K Jena, chairman of Institute of Advance Technology and Environmental Studies (IATES).
Where does one unwind?
Unless you are the kind of person who enjoys your day out in cramped parks, the city would be an exceptionally dull place for you.
A sizable population of the work-force toils round the clock, working all kinds of long and late hours. But nightlife in the city leaves a lot to ask for. There are less than 10 discotheques and pubs, mostly in hotels. There are even fewer clubs and restaurants offering good quality wining and dining. The city doesn’t even have good food courts.
"There is just a handful of hangout places with good music and DJs. The option are very limited," said Upasana Roy, a management student.
Things are, however, changing fast, claim the administrative authorities. "There were no discos and nightclubs at all a few years ago and now we at least have some. The city is developing fast and entertainment options are increasing," said BDA planning member Prashant Patnaik.
No convention centres
There are no hotels or standalone establishments in the city offering convention centres with good facilities to host multiple national or international events. There are two conference halls where most of the events take place one is in a hotel near Jaydev Vihar and the other at KIIT University. But these venues have limitations and events inviting large crowds cannot be held in them.
Bhubaneswar, however, doesn’t seem to getting such a facility in a hurry. "Its true the city needs a large convention centre, but BDA currently has other priorities," said BDA vice-president Deoranjan Kumar Singh.
Healthcare not up to the mark
A large number of patients from Bhubaneswar are forced to go to cities such as Chennai, Vellore, Hyderabad and Mumbai for advanced treatment. This, despite the fact that the city boasts a good presence of corporate hospitals: Kalinga Hospital, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Apollo Hospital, Sparsh Hospital and Hemalata Hospital.
"Before 2000, the city had few tertiary care hospitals. The decade from 2000 to 2010 is when most of these hospitals were established. The number of patients going to other cities for treatment has been reducing gradually. By 2020, the city will have ample medical tourists from outside the state," said Dr G Biswas, a medical oncologist at Sparsh Hospital.
In the offing in Bhubaneswar are All India Institute of Medical Sciences; a 978-bed hospital under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana with 15 super-speciality and 18 speciality wards; a 300-bed hospital by AMRI group; and another heart-care hospital by Naryana Hrudayalaya.
When I get time I will give my perspective on the above issues as well as other needs for Bhubaneswar. Stay tuned.
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