By R. Chandra Prakash, Mysore Grahakara Parishat
Bengaluru Way — It is oft-repeated statement that Mysuru is going the Bengaluru way. But what does “Bengaluru way” mean? This statement summarises the phenomenal transformation that Bengaluru has undergone. Before the integration of the State, Mysuru was the capital city whereas Bengaluru was a cantonment city. Makkaji Chowk, Doddapete, Santhepet and Shivarampet became the commercial hub of Mysuru. Despite subsequent expansion, this city centre continued to be the epicentre of commercial and cultural activities. This same area went on to become Central Business District (CBD) in the Master Plans. Double-tracking of railways and the widening of road link between Bengaluru and Mysuru opened up mini-exodus from Bengaluru to Mysuru. Establishment of IT-based service units in Mysuru created white-collar jobs in large numbers. The economic scene in Mysuru changed from a sleepy town to a vibrant one. With electrification of railway track and six-lane conversion of Bengaluru-Mysuru Road on the anvil, there is every possibility of Mysuru going the Bengaluru way. But the total defacing of Mysuru will be faster than Bengaluru.
