“Space Was Easier” Than Bengaluru Traffic, Says Astronaut Shukla
During his keynote at the Bengaluru Tech Summit, astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla quipped that travelling in space was easier than his commute within Bengaluru. He revealed that the journey from Marathahalli to the venue took him three times longer than the duration of his scheduled speech.
Commute Highlighted City’s Congestion
Shukla said his delay was due to Bengaluru’s notorious traffic, pointing out that while outer-space travel may seem daunting, the city’s internal connectivity posed a tougher challenge that morning. His remark struck a chord with attendees and quickly spread on social media.
Government Reacts With Assurance
Responding to the comment, Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge acknowledged the issue during his address at the summit. He echoed Shukla’s sentiment and assured that the state government would take steps to prevent such lengthy commutes in the future.
Wider Urban Infrastructure Concern
Bengaluru has long struggled with traffic congestion, inadequate road capacity and growing vehicle numbers. The astronaut’s remark highlights how infrastructure challenges continue to affect even high-profile visitors. City planners and policymakers may use the moment to press for accelerated transport reforms and improved connectivity.
