Rs 5,000 crore man shocked: India's IT capital Bengaluru’s iconic park refuses UPI, demands cash for receipt
Synopsis
A tweet by Thyrocare founder Dr. A Velumani has sparked debate about India's digital progress. He expressed surprise that Bengaluru's Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a prominent landmark, still requires cash payments for entry despite issuing digital receipts. This highlights a disconnect between India's IT prowess and the availability of digital payment options in public services.
By ET Online
A seemingly ordinary ticket from Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru has triggered a larger conversation on India’s digital progress, or lack thereof, in public services. Dr. A Velumani, founder of Thyrocare, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his surprise after being asked to pay cash for an entry ticket at the iconic garden.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden—commonly known as Lalbagh, meaning "Red Garden"—is one of Bengaluru’s most iconic landmarks, boasting a rich history of over 200 years. Originally commissioned by King Hyder Ali during his reign as Dalavai of Mysore, the garden was later expanded and nurtured under several British superintendents prior to Indian Independence.
Lalbagh played a crucial role in the introduction and cultivation of a wide variety of ornamental and economically valuable plants across India. Beyond its botanical importance, the garden quickly evolved into a popular social and recreational space. At its heart lies the famous Glass House, built in 1890, which hosts biannual flower shows during Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August), drawing thousands of visitors each year.
As one of Bengaluru’s key urban green spaces—alongside Cubbon Park—Lalbagh is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including many species of birds. The garden’s scenic lake and the ancient rock formation topped with a historic watchtower, believed to have been constructed during the reign of Kempegowda II, add to its charm and historical significance.
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Dr. A Velumani pointed out the irony that while India is considered the IT capital of the world and Bengaluru is known as its digital hub, the city's iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden still does not accept UPI payments for entry. Instead, visitors are asked to pay in cash—even though they receive a printed digital receipt.
About Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden—commonly known as Lalbagh, meaning "Red Garden"—is one of Bengaluru’s most iconic landmarks, boasting a rich history of over 200 years. Originally commissioned by King Hyder Ali during his reign as Dalavai of Mysore, the garden was later expanded and nurtured under several British superintendents prior to Indian Independence.Lalbagh played a crucial role in the introduction and cultivation of a wide variety of ornamental and economically valuable plants across India. Beyond its botanical importance, the garden quickly evolved into a popular social and recreational space. At its heart lies the famous Glass House, built in 1890, which hosts biannual flower shows during Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August), drawing thousands of visitors each year.
As one of Bengaluru’s key urban green spaces—alongside Cubbon Park—Lalbagh is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including many species of birds. The garden’s scenic lake and the ancient rock formation topped with a historic watchtower, believed to have been constructed during the reign of Kempegowda II, add to its charm and historical significance.
