One of the oldest shopping complexes in India, and Bengaluru’s most beloved hangout spot, Commercial Streets, has a brand-new look now.
The walkway, flanked by stores and shops on both sides, was almost always over crowded and heavily burdened by the constant vehicular and pedestrian movement that came with its popularity in the city.
This has changed considerably post the makeover. The main street has been paved and painted to make it more accessible and aesthetically pleasing. The footpaths on either side of the street have been laid out evenly to make walking easy for the scores of Bengaluruins who would have thronged the area were it not for the pandemic. A row of potted plants have been placed along the footpath to give the renovated space a fresher look.
Members of the Bengaluru Commercial Association are hoping that the ‘new Commercials’ will attract more localities and tourists alike, and augment profits for the various businesses that line the streets, in the future. Some members added that this has been Commercials’ first large-scale makeover over the last thirty years. The members have been allowing vehicular movement on trial basis over the last few weeks. While vehicles may be allowed to pass through the streets even during the weekends, parking may be prohibited to make the space more pedestrian-friendly.
Mrs. Suganti Balasubramanian, who used to frequent Commercial Streets before the pandemic hit, says that she is “very excited to see what the new Commercials looks and feels like.” Ms. Sangrina, a college student based in Bangalore said, “I haven’t been to Commercials in more than a year and a half now. I loved shopping there because I would get literally anything I wanted and more while I also had a wide variety of dishes to choose from.” “I used to love everything about it. Once things get a little safer, I would love to go see what it has gotten like now,” she added.
The city was ravaged by the second-wave of the coronavirus disease. The makeover of Commercials was also delayed on account of the same. While this may not change life drastically for Bangaloreans, it could be a little joy that they may looking forward to, in the post-pandemic phase if there would be one.