A decade-and-a-half ago, this segment of South Bengaluru had nil or negligible activity, its peaceful environs home to lush greenery and birds that had joyfully made this domain their home. As for connectivity to Bengaluru city, this road was abysmal to say the least, tucked away as it was from all commercial exercise.
The area was more a destination for spirituality than anything commercial given its far removed status from all industries and IT sector that dominated rest of the city.
Cut to the present and what is seen is a sea of activity, each progressing at a frenetic pace, the individual residential developments vying with the Metro work which is executed at a hitherto unseen speed.
If doubt still persists about the road being discussed, it is Kanakapura Road that is emerging as a major hub of activity in South Bengaluru.
What triggered this sudden pace of development and pitched it to the current status of a sought-after destination? What were the factors that slowly, yet surely worked and induced this transformation of a road that was earlier not thought worthy of considering for any notable development?
What were the elements that prompted the metro to find its way into this segment and step up the pace of its growth?
Nodal point
Says Satish B.N., Executive Director-South India, Knight Frank India, “Kanakapura Road is a nodal point connecting Electronic City, Silk Board and thence to Outer Ring Road where most of the software firms are located. The easy access, especially with Metro coming in, permitting equal speed of transit to the rest of the city, makes this segment extremely attractive. Combine this with the availability of land parcels at affordable rates, and the serene, green environs of this predominantly residential area, it is not surprising it is seeing the kind of activity happening today.”
According to him, the traditional fabric of this region also adds to the demand, making it an extension of other popular areas of South Bengaluru which have now become too crowded and expensive. “In the presence of quick efficient public transport, it is a natural progression to move away from an unaffordable CBD to areas such as these that are cheaper and offer better living conditions.”
Crucial factors
Concurs Suresh Hari, Secretary, CREDAI Bengaluru, “Two factors, the presence of a high water table and availability of land parcels that came about with change in land use, triggered growth on this road. NICE road contributed only partially here, serving as a parallel in the development of this area. The absence of industries only made this area more attractive as the serene green surroundings are left preserved, making it more habitable. The Metro is an additional element that has stepped up the pace of growth.”
Price rise
He further contends that properties on Kanakapura Road, which have so far seen stable growth, will soon witness an increase in rates that reach close to 20 per cent over the next two years.
Stating that supply has to meet demand and the city of Bengaluru needs to grow horizontally, Farook Mahmood, CMD, Silverline Realty, says, “South Bengaluru has traditionally been the intellectual capital and with the presence of the IT sector, it is a natural progression to expand into the closest affordable region available.”
According to Farook, the NICE corridor opened up land parcels that became accessible and offered the logistics which is vital for opening up development. “The Metro has made it possible for the common man to commute swiftly and efficiently while residing in a more affordable region.”
While adding that the traditional fabric of the area also compliments the rest of South Bengaluru, triggering demand, Farook foresees a double digit growth in rates in the vicinity of 10 to 15 per cent over the next two years.
Double bonus
Commenting on the attractiveness of Kanakapura Road as a residential hub, marketing professional Anantha Padmanaban, who chose to purchase an apartment in one of the first developments on this road, Brigade Meadows, points to the green environs and the connectivity the NICE corridor affords.
“Besides Kanakapura Road also connecting smoothly to a major district in Tamil Nadu which I frequent, and rest of South Bengaluru, the picturesque green expanses make it a treat to reside in this part of the city.”
Agrees software professional Gowri Natarajan, residing in Brigade Meadows and also one of its early occupants, “While our initial foray was not based on connectivity or convenience, the expanse of greenery, the serenity it offered akin to a countryside, tilted the scales and prompted us to move in here.”
Be it the connectivity or the green expanse, Kanakapura Road has certainly transformed into a choice destination for not just those with affinity to South Bengaluru, but others too looking for affordable and comfortable living.
