As the fastest growing city in Asia, Bangalore has problems galore, and congestion is just one of them. But congestion is a major problem which needs to be tackled on a war footing before the city goes the Mumbai way. One viable option is satellite towns that ease the need for living and working space. Small and medium sized satellite towns located at strategic distances in and around the city with good transport and and communication links will ease the congestion and relieve the pressure on the city's infrastructure. Many experts advocate a southward growth because of the availability of underground water. Bangalore has attained the status of IT capital of the country, which in turn has attracted numerous Multinational companies to set up shop here. The need for decentralisation now acquires added urgency and setting up sub centres in the city appears to be one of the most acceptable solutions. C Prabhakar, Director, Gopalan Enterprises, is in favour of the "concept of self-sufficient neighbourhoods, complete with work-live-play environment incorporating the latest state-of-the-art technology in terms of technical know how, convenience and comfort on the housing front. It is the amalgamation of high quality office space with luxurious, executive, residential apartments with recreation facilities, meticulously landscaped, aesthetically approached, conducive for business as well as living." "The concept involves developing growth centres where all facilities of housing, banking, communication links, industrial units, roads and infrastructure can comfortably co-exist. It aims at delinking from the main city, and forming self contained centres serving as mini cities, where people work and live on a day-to-day basis, and the need to access the main city would be few and far in between." Unplanned expansion has resulted in many congested areas in the city. Ideally, places like Yelahanka, Sarjapur, Jayanagar and Whitefield can be developed into satellite towns. Demand for both housing and office space have hit a peak and it is high time that city planners and property developers think seriously about providing affordable accomodation away from central city locations. With the real estate scenario on the upswing, now is the time for the buyer to invest in property. And with the choice of aesthetically planned mini cities away from the hustle and bustle of the sprawling metro, the buyer will have made a sound investment.
