How High Hopes And Great Expectations Can Help A City Get Better

At the time of the 2010 Commonwealth Games many things went wrong in Delhi. The negative media coverage — including by the international media — further added to the impression of poor management and half-baked infrastructure. We must mention here that when the work on the Commonwealth Games began in 2006, the budget was kept at Rs 22,000 crore. As the deadline approached, the amount swelled to Rs 30,000 crore, a rise of about 40 per cent.  However, as the 12-day event between October 3-14 progressed, the city shook it all off. Not only did India stand second in the overall medal tally but also received worldwide appreciation over the brilliant management of the Games. When the Games were over, Delhi had in place an expanded Metro Network, an Airport Metro Link, a new airport terminal, several flyovers and upgraded roads. Delhiites enjoy better facilities today because India got a chance to host a global event that had the capacity to change the city for good. The whole event, with all little details, there would be sharp pains in your way to change. 

In a way, Moscow is going through a similar transformation. According to a Bloomberg report, "The mayor's office is pushing developers to complete the skyline of Moscow City — a district similar to Paris's La Défense or London's Canary Wharf — in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when foreign tourists are expected to pour in for the world's most-watched sporting event." The report says that despite a "recession stretching into its sixth quarter" and "office vacancies across the city stuck at 20 per cent", the government is pushing developers to meet the deadline. The Moscow City will be home to three of Europe's tallest skyscrapers by the time the first game is kicked off. 

But just like Delhi, Moscow is facing challenges too. Moscow City saw construction delays and the original deadline of 2007 was missed. Things became worse when the 2008 global financial crisis hit the country hard. The year 2014 brought more bad news for the country as oil prices tipped, the backbone of the Russian economy.

Despite that Russia has shown a commitment towards building up its infrastructure to ensure the gala sporting event is a success.