Lady Flora added, “We know how much time was lost first, and rather unfortunately, due to the pandemic and its ensuing lockdowns, and later, when there was a change of leadership in our state. Who continues to bear the brunt? Us, the common folk. Long-delayed road projects, endless Metro work across the entire city and the suburbs, and multiple improvement projects remain incomplete or carry on at a turtle’s pace. The result—a frame of a city that’s in work-in-progress mode. One more thing, I’ve been noticing, Pheroze which baffles and upsets me. First it was Shanghai, next came Singapore, and more recently, it’s been New York and Dubai. I’ve lost count, honestly. What is this fixation to make grand announcements and plans [and also do multiple ‘study’ trips to those destinations] to ape what is present in other world cities? Why can’t we look inward, reach out to our own architects and urban planners for sustainable, citizen-friendly and budget-smart ideas that are in sync with the identity and needs of our city? Why say ‘Make in India’ when you are looking outside India for ideas and inspiration?”

“Bravo!” Sir PM did a slow clap, as his friend uttered that last sentence. “You took the words right out of my mouth. It’s been quite exasperating for me to watch this jamboree that’s taken over, like a long, never-ending siege. Viegas and I were recalling those glory days when the city had broad roads, walkable, pedestrian-friendly pavements, and we could actually soak in the grandeur and brilliance of the Queen’s Necklace from the promenade at night. Now, you’ll be lucky to get a barricade-free view.”

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By now, both friends made their way to Marine Drive. It was past midnight, and the crowds had thinned. “Pheroze, you’re right. The spectacle has changed forever. I wonder what Bartle [Frere], and the visionaries and administrators who followed him would have to say about all this,” sighed Lady Flora.

“On a more serious note, eminent architect and former head of the architectural department at Sir JJ School of Art, Claude Batley would surely have plenty to say. He wasn’t too pleased when Marine Drive was structured, and according to my sources at the institution, he said that it resembled “a rather badly fitting set of false teeth” for the city!” Lady Flora looked surprised. “Gosh! How I wish he was around to comment on this road project that is being touted as the solution to most of the city’s traffic woes. And, his views on the present cityscape.”

“Perhaps, a complex, never-ending open-heart surgery,” replied Sir PM. 

mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana

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