Chandigarh is Falling Apart, One Thar at a Time

Does anyone else feel like Chandigarh is just not the same anymore? The so-called "City Beautiful" is turning into a complete mess. I don’t even know where to begin, but here’s what’s been bothering me: 1. **Thars and Cretas everywhere.** These aren’t just cars; they’re ego boosters. The entitlement on the roads is insane—cutting lanes, honking non-stop, and picking fights at every signal. It’s like everyone’s out to prove something. 2. **Eve-teasing is back.** Women can’t walk around without being stared at, harassed, or followed by guys who think rolling their windows down and blasting Punjabi music makes them cool. It’s disgusting, and it’s becoming normal again. 3. **Road rage is out of control.** People here are ready to fight over the smallest things—bumping a car, overtaking, or even looking at them the wrong way. Whatever happened to Chandigarh being calm and polite? 4. **No real jobs left.** Remember when Dell and other big companies were here? Now, it’s all fake BPOs and call centers exploiting people. If you’re not in IT or willing to move out, there’s nothing left here except dead-end gigs. 5. **Police corruption.** Chandigarh Police used to be strict and reliable. Now it feels like they’re just out to make money. Traffic cops, in particular, seem to have quotas for bribes. They’ll stop you for the tiniest thing and find a way to fine you. 6. **Metro and infrastructure promises.** We’ve been hearing about the Chandigarh Metro for decades now. Meanwhile, other cities have moved forward with metros, flyovers, and better public transport. What do we have? Gridlocked roads and empty promises. 7. **The fake café culture.** Every new café popping up looks the same, serves the same overpriced stuff, and lacks any originality. The soul of the city—the dhabas, the classic joints—is being buried under these “Instagrammable” spots. 8. **Outsiders and overpopulation.** Chandigarh’s vibe used to be unique, but now it feels like it’s drowning in the chaos of Mohali, Zirakpur, and Panchkula. The city feels crowded and overrun, and the peace we once had is gone. I’m not saying Chandigarh was ever perfect, but it used to have a charm that made it stand out. Now it feels like it’s on its way to becoming just another overcrowded, chaotic city with no identity. What’s your take? Am I being too negative, or do you feel it too? Let’s hear it.