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There's always been a debate over whether the politician is the bigger problem, or the bureaucrat. I have always held that even bigger than the two, there's another formidable force - the Socialist (the psuedo variety - there are very few genuine ones remaining). And, the solutions to the countries problems lies in tackling him.

The pedestrian chaos at ORR-Old Madras Road interchange can'tt be stated in words, so I tried this video last week (find it below). The place is a live example of collaboration, lack of it rather, between multiple sarkaari bodies. Bring this up with a babu in Bangalore and instead of ideas or initiatives, you will get stories of how things can only fall between NHAI, Railways, BDA, and the Traffic Police but not improve. Oh yeah, the job of taking initiatives is best left to the citizens.

Really concerned how many more irresponsible accidents are going to happen before this project is completed. I get the feeling this project is being run like a govt housing construction for the EWS.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa inaugurated the Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) on the premises of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) here on Friday. CiSTUP will focus on issues related to urban transport, planning and infrastructure, besides urban local issues such as water supply, sewerage and solid waste management.

Want to get deeper into Praja and beyond discussions? Here is your chance. We are looking for some people to join hands in tracking JNNURM reforms and projects at Karnataka. If you didn't know, JNNURM is a reforms-linked investment scheme to help states on urban infrastructure. States get a big fund to tap into, but with a catch - they must commit to implementing some urban governance reforms.

As important as fixing the security issues, are the fixing of certain key issues pertaining to governance, the deficiencies around which are the actual cause of the precarious security environment prevailing. A few of the more important ones are listed below.

Building on the good vibes about Commuter Rail Service, hear this out now. Devesh mentioned that at a recent meeting where BCIC was taking up the cause of those who commute to BIAL for work, Mr. Arvind Jadhav indicated that a proposal to introduce train service between the BIAL and Bangalore city (via Yeshwanthapur) is being finalized. The service would be operational once the formalities are completed. Quick details: