If you think Calcutta has changed for the better over the past year, you’re not in danger of being laughed off the street. Two out of three Calcuttans agree with you.

An opinion poll done for The Telegraph Metro by TNS Mode has thrown up its fair share of cynics, but there are some in-your-face signs of movement few have missed.

2003’s favourite figure of the year is undoubtedly the flyover. Three hundred Calcuttans — 106 between 15 and 24 years of age and 194 between 30 and 45 — covered in the survey, spontaneously picked flyovers as the No. 1 monument to change.

Justice Amitava Lala will be glad to know that when handed a list of possible changes which have made a difference, an overwhelming number — 83% — singled out his rally-restriction order.

Watch out chief minister, they didn’t like your handling of the issue. The majority, 55%, believes the government’s opposition to the order has affected the image you’re so worried about. That is not to say, though, that they are not with you — 85% think perception of the city is brightening.

It comes with the warning, however, that it has not brightened enough for the young to declare: this is my city of the future. In the 15-24 age group, 58% would leave — with a heavy heart — if they had the chance.

What will keep them? More change, perhaps. Topping their wish list for 2004 is better infrastructure.

It’s not as if Calcutta has place only for flyovers, and not fun. The new shopping centre with the multiplex has it hooked — the ladies love it.

Optimism is high — a large majority believes Calcutta can be comparable to any other metro. Here’s hoping for more change in 2004. Happy New Year!