A storm is brewing on social media after Siddharth Dialani, CEO of agri-tech startup BharatAgri, shared his unfiltered take on the urban infrastructure of two of India’s most prominent cities. In a LinkedIn post, Dialani slammed Bengaluru, often called the “Silicon Valley of India,” as being in “shambles,” while showering Ahmedabad with praise for being “at least 10 years ahead.”
The CEO cited Ahmedabad’s superior road quality, traffic management, and overall urban planning as factors that make it a model for other cities. His post, which came with a tone of disappointment over Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure, touched a nerve, igniting a fiery debate online.
“Ahmedabad’s roads are smoother, the traffic is better regulated, and the urban layout is far more functional,” Dialani wrote, contrasting it with Bengaluru, a city plagued by potholes, waterlogging, and perennial traffic jams. He questioned whether Bengaluru’s growth as India’s startup hub has come at the cost of its livability.
Divided Reactions from Netizens
The post has polarized opinions across social media. Supporters of Dialani’s observations, many of whom are entrepreneurs and professionals living in Bengaluru, echoed his concerns, describing the city as a “logistical nightmare” and urging authorities to take swift action.
“Dialani is absolutely right. Bengaluru’s infrastructure is a ticking time bomb. How can we expect innovation to thrive when employees spend hours in traffic every day?” commented one user.
On the other hand, some critics accused the CEO of being overly harsh and reductive in his comparison. They argued that Bengaluru’s rapid urbanization, fueled by its status as a global IT and startup hub, poses unique challenges that Ahmedabad has yet to face.
“Comparing Bengaluru to Ahmedabad is like comparing apples to oranges. Bengaluru’s population and economic dynamics are on an entirely different scale,” wrote another user.
The Broader Implication
Dialani’s post highlights an ongoing dilemma for India’s tech and startup capital. Despite its thriving business ecosystem, Bengaluru has struggled with infrastructure woes for years. From poor road conditions and unplanned urban sprawl to the infamous traffic chaos, the city has faced mounting criticism from residents and experts alike.
Meanwhile, Ahmedabad’s proactive urban planning, robust civic management, and the influence of Gujarat’s industrial growth have put the city on a different trajectory, making it a standout example of urban development.
While the debate continues online, the key takeaway from Dialani’s post is the urgent need for Bengaluru to address its infrastructure crisis. As India’s startup ecosystem grows, the livability and functionality of its leading cities will play a critical role in sustaining this momentum.
For now, the question remains: Will Bengaluru rise to the challenge, or will cities like Ahmedabad become the new magnets for entrepreneurs and investors? Only time will tell.
