Traffic condition in Delhi is pathetic to say the least, as soon as one steps on the tarmac( which is a rarity ,considering the situation of our roads, but recently they have improved tremendously especially ring roads, and those catering to heavy traffic), we see people from all possible directions zipping past one another , as they are the busiest and if they would reach their destination a few seconds late the World will come to an end. Blaring horns, crossing red-lights, overtaking, this has become the norm in this city. Switching lanes at 100 km/hr, zigzagging through the traffic, doing some snazzy maneuvers is considered uber cool by the young generation.
The govt. is doing it’s bit by increasing the fine on pillion riders without helmets to 600 bucks, putting speed regulations at busy places, and now the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor pilot project in South Delhi , but these are just a drop in the ocean of nemesis we have created for ourselves. This is the situation when Delhi Metro has completely revolutionized the way we travel, in comfortable AC environment , reaching the destination in a fraction of the time that what we used to.
But it’s high time we as commuters, responsible citizens of the city take some responsibility on our shoulders rather than carping about the callousness of govt. First and foremost is we should be alert towards others, our surroundings when we are driving , obeying traffic rules goes without saying , you think that it won’t matter as there are lots of others who still won’t , well somebody has to make a start and why not you? We have to gag this herd mentality, of justifying our vices by pointing finger to others.
Even though Delhi Metro has eased a lot of traffic problems, yet there are traffic jams near metro stations as people come in their individual vehicles, it would be great if every one of us instead takes the metro feeder bus, they are convenient and would certainly reduce traffic congestion.
Vehicles should halt before zebra crossing and pedestrians should be advised to cross the road on that only, driving in the same lane is a habit which has too be imbibed by practice, and taught by elders.
Also, bicycles as a mode of transport for short distances should be encouraged ( as is being done in D.U north campus), not just as a means of transport but as a means of recreation as well.
Drunken driving which is a criminal offense and has claimed thousands of lives has to be avoided at all costs, no matter what the administration does, if we really want to drink and drive, they can’t do anything, traffic police officer won’t be standing at every nook & corner to nab us bleary eyed, intoxicated.
And also I guess , in the recent years with the Nano-isation of our roads, every youngster will be having a car of his own with no place to park and nowhere to drive . The solution to that could be car pools which I think will also become a great way to make new friends, networking etc. ,various sites like this, this and this. have taken a step in this direction.
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