By Sunita Sharma
The desert state is abuzz with widely advertised Rising Rajasthan Global Investors summit and other big events like IIFA or Diljit music concert.
Hectic arrangements are made by officials and others to make these events a success. Funds to the tune of millions and billions are going down the drain to ensure that these programmes go hit.
Big time efforts are being made awaiting the most profitable foreign tourists visit Rajasthan.
However, the question is are we ready????
When was it that any of you last travelled by roads around Rajasthan ???
In fact, not just any road but a highway that connects the Pink City to country’s Capital, New Delhi ?
This 300 km stretch from New Delhi to Jaipur starts with a fancy vision of old world charm of historical palaces and bright vibrant state taking strides towards just the perfect balance of AI powered modern development and extensive history & culture to savour in.
But alas, the vision soon starts to fade and as soon as one crosses Gurgaon traffic mayhem, one encounters unending road blocks on the highway to reach to Jaipur.
Unfinished dusty highway bridges for over past 5 years or more becomes a constant sight and reason for traffic jams of few kilometres at a stretch and surprisingly, there is no highway police to manage it.
Uncountable badly done road repair jobs and potholes all along the highway take us back to the camel cart days .
Jaipur city roads definitely don’t look any different and are prepared for Dusshera / diwali festivities or for all those big talked about events .
In this time and era when technology is taking over and reaching supersonic levels, where is the infrastructure in Rajasthan??
Cars are being designed to zoom at 200 kms/sec but where are the roads or pavements in Rajasthan where you can take a ride on these glitzy vehicles.
Talking about green City and moving the citizens towards bicycling is easy but where are the dedicated safe tracks for cycling or footpaths for citizens to walk on??
Has anyone every thought of giving Right to Walk to people across.
Take a close look at public transport … Can you see the filth and dirt smudged all over the buses or trains or e rickshaws ??? And add to that complete lack of discipline and manners in the drivers / staff in public transport.
Why does an honest tax payer not deserve a better road and infrastructure to travel on to ???
Why is there no timeline to development programmes ??
Why is not anyone accountable in the government system ??
Unfortunately maybe these issues are too lame to take centre stage ??
But the reality is that these are the most basic infrastructure needs in a developing state / city .
We need to go beyond creating headlines by bringing in business or glamour celebrities and instead need to get to real time on-ground sustainable development.
It’s high time now…!