A Bengaluru resident currently in Tokyo shared a detailed post on Reddit, expressing frustration over India’s urban infrastructure and public safety standards. The post, which has received significant attention, contrasts the city’s current conditions with what the author experienced in Japan.
“I am in Tokyo right now, and I can’t help keep my emotions to myself. It’s only been 2 days and I walked for over 25 kms. And this is the thought I had – India will never be as good as these countries in a 100 years. I’m not talking about catch up, I’m talking about how India won’t be as good as how these countries are right now,” the user wrote.
Walking in Tokyo: A Rejuvenating Experience
The Redditor described the experience of walking in Tokyo as “rejuvenating,” highlighting the well-maintained footpaths, absence of exposed drains, and accessibility for the disabled. The post emphasized public safety and hygiene, which are often major concerns in Indian cities.
“It’s so great to walk. Coming from India, it’s rejuvenating to walk without interruptions. There are footpaths, well-maintained footpaths. No exposed drains. No waste. No dog shit. No bikes. The main footpaths are accessible for the disabled (wheelchairs) and the blind. I bet there’s not even 1km of footpath in our country that is accessible to everyone,” the user added.
Public Courtesy and Efficient Transport Stand Out
The post further praised the courteous behavior of people and the efficiency of public transport in Japan, including high-speed bullet trains connecting cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The Redditor compared this to the chaotic traffic, poor pedestrian safety, and slow transport in Bangalore, expressing regret over their decision to remain in India.
“No one honked at me. Not once! Well, I never heard even a single vehicle honk on the roads. The signals work. Zebra crosses have pedestrian signals and are maintained. The roads are well maintained. There’s no traffic apart from vehicles waiting at signals. No deadly potholes,” the post reads.
Frustration Over India’s Infrastructure and Safety
The author described feeling unsafe even as part of India’s top 1% in earnings, citing experiences navigating rain-soaked streets in Bangalore. Issues such as lack of waste management, poorly maintained roads, and unsafe pedestrian spaces were highlighted as reasons for disillusionment. The user added, “I am legit scared for my life while I ride my bike around.”
“I will never take such a decision. I’ll leave in a heartbeat if I get another opportunity,” the Redditor concluded, reflecting on missed opportunities to work abroad in Japan.
The post also addressed common debates on Bangalore’s infrastructure, dismissing claims that the issues are limited to certain neighborhoods or caused solely by migrant populations.
(This story is based on a post shared by a social media user. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.)