Comments on: Gaddi Shaddi

By: Murthy GS

Murthy GS — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:55:19 +0000

Chennai has already gained the name as “DETROIT OF SOUTH ASIA”, though chennai has a long way to go. Unlike other cities in India, chennai has concentrated on various industries and markets. Understanding that the climatic condition in chennai is not as favourable as in Bangalore, Chennai should concentrate on good infrastructure and water supply. Good Govt policoes are an added advatage to this city. I beleive that Chennai has had a slow, steady and healthy development unlike many other cities which have grown very fast but with out any planning and care for future. The Chennai city transport system (City buses, Loacl trains and MRTS)needs to guarded and improvised as they are of a good advantage to the city.

By: PSD Blog - World Bank Group

PSD Blog - World Bank Group — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 22:10:42 +0000

China vs. India…

Johan Norberg, everyone’s favourite Swedish libertarian, is just back from the Asian giants and writes:India’s hidden strength is that the country is already extremely entrepreneurial - but in the informal sector. An Indian friend mentions that most …

By: Sivaraman Swaminathan

Sivaraman Swaminathan — Sun, 11 Dec 2005 04:49:49 +0000

I think infrastructure needs immediate attention. Chesnnai’s roads and airport need serious development. Chennai should start building ring roads, fly overs and plan for 2015 from today. I think Hyd is a clear example of this. We cannot allow Chennai to the whims and fancies of politicians. Chennai is thousands times better than B’lore. Chennai needs to market itself better. Chennaites are known for poor marketing skills. It’s reflecting in its image. B’lore somehow has more buzz than Chennai. In fact be it schooling, retail etc. Chennai is good but there is a difference between good and world-class. Indians by nature can’t finish well. Hopefully, it will not affect our economy too!

By: Prasanna

Prasanna — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 10:21:25 +0000

The FTA with Thailand was supposed to all Indian manufacturers or India-based car manufacturers - that hasnt happened as yet. I’m not quite convinced how Chennai or India can be a challenge detroit when we operate on different ends of the scale?
The small cars sold here are exported to countries of similar profiles - south africa for example, and at times to specific parts of Europe.

While a few manufacturers talk of making India small car hub(Hyundai/Suzuki) - no one has mentioned India being a global car hub. And Indian component companies are buying abroad - not necessarily bringing everything to India to manufacture/export.

As such, I dont see how Chennai or India can be a threat to Detroit/USA. Not in the next couple of decades at least.

By: Suman

Suman — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 09:10:50 +0000

Okay, Chennai has better infrastructure than Pune. Chennai has a port. AND, Chennai has a suburban train service that connects the main railway station, airport, and the harbour. Chennai has a Mass Rapid Transport System: a over-the-head rail service that connects areas the old suburban service does not cover. What we have here is a city that is the best of the worst. A city that segued into top gear unlike other cities that ran after IT like refugees.
My point is Chennai’s development was planned. Unlike Bangalore’s. And combined with its pool of workers, support industries, and a friendly government, Chennai stands a better chance of making it big. And, I think we should stop referring to our cities as ‘Manchester of India’ ‘Detroit of India’… where does it leave Bihar then? ‘Darfur of India?’ Why should Chennai be the next Detroit? Let it be. Let Chennai be.

By: AnarCapLib » Blogs, not baasi news

AnarCapLib » Blogs, not baasi news — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 07:10:43 +0000

[…] gs might be faster in circulating news. Here’s a small example. Amit Varma points to this piece by Sebastian Mallaby on the Indian Economy blog yesterday. The Indian Express carrie […]

By: Sai

Sai — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 03:34:36 +0000

The author is talking not just about Chennai. He is talking about Mexico, Thailand and China as well. In that context, Detroit’s problems are going to get far worse.

By: sv

sv — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 02:24:15 +0000

It was Japan which unseated Detriot. Can Indian automakers do what Toyota did or even the Korean Hyuandai? I don’t think so. Chennai can be a center for cheap manufacturing but India does not have the competency that can produce a Toyota or Honda.

By: Nachiket Kapre

Nachiket Kapre — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:20:11 +0000

I too think Pune is better positioned than Chennai to be the next Detroit….
Here’s a bit of evidence why.

http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/indian-states/maharashtra/autoindustry.htm

By: Dutchman

Dutchman — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:04:13 +0000

I must admit that I have never been to India, but Chennai competing with Detroit might not be so difficult. Take a look, for example, at this post from Autoblog: http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000530071174/. If cars from Chennai (btw, why the name change?) are not Landwinds, I don’t see why Europe and America should not import them. They may be intended for the home market only, but that won’t last long.