Easier to get from space...: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla quips about Bengalurus traffic woes
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla humorously highlighted Bengaluru's nightmarish traffic at the Tech Summit, comparing his Marathahalli commute to space travel. His remark brought renewed focus to the city's strained infrastructure. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge acknowledged the concerns, promising government action to tackle the persistent urban mobility challenges plaguing Bengaluru residents.
New Delhi: Bengaluru's nightmarish traffic drew attention from astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, as he made a remark, in lighter vein, during a tech summit in the city. Even though he made the comment apparently in jest, it reflected a reality that stares residents in the face. The comment bares the ongoing civic worries over the city’s strained urban infrastructure and traffic management.
On Thursday, the hall was bursting at the seams as Shukla took to the stage at the Bengaluru Tech Summit. He quipped that his commute from Marathahalli to the venue took three times longer than the speech he was supposed to render.
Shukla said: "I'm coming all the way from the other side of Bengaluru, Marathahalli. I have spent thrice the time that I am going to be spending on this presentation with you. So you have to look at the commitment that I have."
He remarked that travelling from space felt easier than navigating Bengaluru’s traffic from Marathahalli. Shukla also dwelt upon his space experience and how it was coming back on earth.
Group Captain Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, is among the four astronauts selected and trained for India’s first manned mission, Gaganyaan, set to be launched in 2027.
How did Priyank Kharge respond?
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge responded to Shukla's remark during his closing-day address. Kharge noted: "Shubhanshu Shukla said it was easier for him to get from space to Bengaluru, but getting from Marathahalli to this venue was difficult." The minister pointed out that the government would make sure that such delays do not occur again.
What was the event?
Creators, innovators, founders, athletes and thought leaders took part in The Future Makers Conclave, one of the most gripping sessions of Bengaluru Tech Summit this year.
Among the speakers were Shukla, Zepto co-founder Kaivalya Vohra, entrepreneur-author Ankur Warikoo; mind reader Suhani Shah, India wicketkeeper-batter and ICC World Cup champion Richa Ghosh and six-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza.
This year was the 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit. Its theme was 'Futurise'. The event, which drew to a close at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), was organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka. It drew thousands of participants and reaffirmed the city’s status as a thriving hub of innovation.