‘Space was easier’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla quips about Bengaluru traffic

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla jokes Bengaluru traffic is tougher than space travel at Tech Summit; govt vows improvements

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla drew attention to the city’s traffic challenges during the Bengaluru Tech Summit, turning his commute into a point of humor and reflection. Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and one of four astronauts selected for India’s first manned mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2027, noted that his travel from Marathahalli to the venue consumed far more time than his presentation itself.

His observation underscored the persistent issue of congestion in Bengaluru, a city known for its booming technology sector but equally infamous for gridlock. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, in his closing remarks, acknowledged the concern and assured that the government is committed to improving conditions to prevent such delays in the future.

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The comment came during the Future Makers Conclave, one of the most anticipated sessions of the summit. The conclave brought together a diverse lineup of innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and thought leaders. Among the prominent names were author Ankur Warikoo, Zepto co-founder Kaivalya Vohra, mentalist Suhani Shah, tennis champion Sania Mirza, and cricketer Richa Ghosh.

The 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit, themed Futurise and organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, concluded at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, attracting thousands of participants and reinforcing the city’s role as a hub for innovation.

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