For those who like their peace & quiet

Over the years, in Bengaluru, we have seen the formation of localities in mostly two forms — layouts and extensions. While extensions are well-known, well-equipped areas with little to complain about, layouts are more self-sufficient, smaller and a little harder to spot on the grid. But there are some standalone localities that have seen steady growth, leading to more popularity and settlement in the areas. One such example from North Bengaluru is Rabindranath Tagore Nagar or RT Nagar.

RT Nagar is a developed locality in the Hebbal assembly constituency that has seen steady progress in all aspects over the years. It was developed as a layout in the 1970s by the Bangalore Development Authority and has evolved into a premium residential establishment today. Its location is quite strategic, considering its proximity to the Central Business District (CBD), commercial hubs like Shivajinagar, Hebbal and the Kempegowda Inter-national Airport.

Mapping the growth
Surrounded by JC Nagar, Ganganagar, Rahmat Nagar and the posh MLA Layout, RT Nagar is mostly self-adequate. It’s proximity to Sadashivanagar and Sanjaynagar, which are high-end residential layouts, was also a key factor for its growth. Its nearness to the RMV Extension (which has witnessed interest from politicians for their residences) was the reason for the development of the MLA Layout, which is home to many politicians (legislators, mostly). And in the recent past, the development of the International Airport has led to rapid growth.

With respect to connectivity, RT Nagar is linked to the rest of the City mainly through Bellary Road. Despite being in the midst of busy spaces, the entry and exit into the main road is quite smooth. The added green cover and lung space can be
attributed to the setting up of defence establishments like the Parachute
Regiment Training Centre and Defence Residential Quarters before RT Nagar could evolve into a residential hub.

Well-laid roads, planned layouts, mid-segment retail, good social infrastructure, amenities and connectivity to the airport as well as the CBD are what make RT Nagar a sought-after residential destination.

Initially, the area primarily comprised independent houses. However, a few
developers have evinced interest in this area now, and are coming up with luxury
residential projects and mixed-use luxury projects. The cause for the significant lack of apartments and the dominance of independent houses is the dearth of land parcels here.

“The biggest advantage of RT Nagar is that it is close to the city centre and it has good connectivity to the airport. If there are any disadvantages, they are due to the busy Bellary Road...driving becomes a bit of a challenge,” says Suresh Hari, secretary, CREDAI.

Consisting of old Bengalureans and upper-middle class business communities, RT Nagar houses reputed schools like Florence Public School, Presidency School and RT Nagar Public School. It is also located in close proximity to higher educational institutions like Atria Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science and Raman Research Institute. Big hospitals and diagnostic centres are absent here, but smaller healthcare centres cater to the needs of people well enough.

RT Nagar, unlike many areas in Bengaluru, does not play host to big malls, multiplexes, shopping complexes and theatres. But there are many mini
commercial establishments here, which serve the demographic profile well. The presence of a resort with club facilities right in the middle of the layout also gives it a bit of a breather. With BDA-developed parks, a BDA complex, a community centre
located right off the main road and an efficient public transport system
connecting the area to all other parts of the city, RT Nagar is certainly a good fit for people who like their peace and quiet.

Dramatic changes
“When we initially moved in, there were mostly independent houses here. But over the last 10 years, many commercial establishments have come up. We are now in a place where we don’t really have to step out of the area if we don’t want to. But the downside is that the traffic issues have also gone up manifold, partially because of the establishment of the airport. The main roads are quite good here, but the interiors are in a bad state. Asphalting hasn’t happened in a long time. Nonetheless, it is a good place to reside in,” says Shamith Venkatesh, who has been residing in the area for over 18 years.

If you are impressed by this part of the City and wish to reside here, be willing to shell out around Rs 9,000 – Rs 12,000 per sq ft to buy a plot. “Property rates are
anywhere between Rs 7,000 and Rs 15,000 for an apartment. The rates are expected to increase 10 per cent in the next one year. Home buyers who are looking at a well-
established residential hub, which offers proximity to CBD and easy accessibility to North Bengaluru or the international airport, should explore this area. It is a viable location for senior professionals employed in the north Bengaluru commercial hubs,” says Karun Varma, MD, Cushman & Wakefield India.

As Indrani R, a resident of RT Nagar puts it: “We have good infrastructure here with minimal problems, which is why it makes for a wise choice.”