👀 Traffic, traffic everywhere
#454 | The only think tank you need
Hi there,
A flyover in my neighbourhood is due to be reconstructed. So, while that happens, we have to find alternate ways to get around. It isn’t very complicated, though. For most people, one simple diversion would do the trick.
But, hey. We live in India. Why take the straightforward path when we can go out of our way to fuck shit up? The people in charge in Pune have come up with a traffic plan so absurd that Satan is eyeing them with envy at their ability to make something as simple as being on the streets a living hell.
Need to cross the road to get to the grocery store? Risk getting hit by a vehicle. Need to go to your gym 2 km away? Take a diversion that doubles that distance. Meeting your friends for dinner? Leave at least an hour in advance, lest you only get to the restaurant in time for dessert.
Pardon my French, but at the moment, there’s nothing to call my city other than a clusterfuck.
Thankfully, the internet still exists. And on the internet, I’ve found the most wonderful group of intellectuals, urban planners, or “imagination experts” that I could have asked for.
They share their intricate visions of what a perfect city would look like, and they get so many things right. Their dream cities are aesthetic, green, communal, pet-inclusive, car-free, pollution-free, and have lots of space for play – something we could all use more of.
I’m tempted to invite these experts to my city to help make it a bit more liveable. Maybe you want to, too? They’re called The Little Big Think Tank. I think you’ll like them.