2025’s Bengaluru looks worse than 1971’s Jakarta: X user sparks debate, asks if Indonesian city can do it, why not India's IT capital?

A recent social media post has stirred a heated debate, comparing Bengaluru’s urban infrastructure to Jakarta’s. The viral post featured two striking images, one of Jakarta today, showcasing its well-planned bus and cycle lanes, and another from 1971, depicting the Indonesian city in a much more underdeveloped state.

The contrast was impossible to ignore. The post highlighted how Jakarta, despite having twice the population density of Bengaluru, has successfully transformed its urban transport system over the years. Meanwhile, Bengaluru, despite its massive infrastructure budget, continues to struggle with basic city planning.

“If Jakarta Can Do It, Why Can’t Bengaluru?”

The caption of the viral post made a strong point: "Jakarta, which is twice as dense as Bangalore, can afford to have dedicated bus and cycle lanes. Why can't we build it? It costs way less than the Rs 1 lakh crore we're spending on those stupid projects."



This statement struck a chord with netizens, many of whom expressed their frustration over Bengaluru’s chaotic urban planning.

Bengaluru’s Urban Struggles Put Under the Spotlight

The discussion quickly gained traction, with users pointing out the stark contrast between the two cities. Some noted that certain areas of Bengaluru look even worse than Jakarta did in the 1970s.

One user wrote, "Is it safe to say that many parts of 2024's Bangalore look worse than 1971's Jakarta? I feel sad just typing this."

Another user pushed for alternative solutions, saying, "Bangalore desperately needs a BRT. It could be rolled out pretty fast, unlike the metro."

The most hard-hitting comment, however, came from a user who blamed poor governance: "We lack strong policies, administrators, and, most of all, intent. Our cities should be better, but instead, those in power act like overlords while the common man struggles every day."

Will Bengaluru Ever Catch Up?

With rapid urbanisation and worsening traffic congestion, many argue that Bengaluru needs a serious infrastructure revamp. Whether city officials will take note of this viral discussion remains to be seen.