Road rudeness

Winning the bid for holding the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi was hailed as a major triumph for India ­ a proof of its stand that it could successfully organise a major sports extravaganza and support claims to hold the Olympics some day. However, a year before the games are scheduled to be held, there are doubts whether the required infrastructure will be in place ­ despite work going on since 2004. Also, is the city and its people prepared for such a big responsibility? It doesn't seem so, said an irate colleague, who got late to work after being caught in a traffic jam in the heart of the city. His account of the traffic jam in Connaught Place ­ one of the most well-planned areas: a circular road with radial roads at regular intervals ­ is sad testimony to the condition of roads, constricting encroachments (some due to delayed development work), deficiency of traffic policemen and lack of traffic etiquette. The jam was just a part of the problem that my friend faced. After managing to complete his work hastily, he decided to take an autorickshaw rather than depend on a bus. But only a few were available, which demanded an exorbitant fare. Finally, he managed to get a less demanding one. Harassment by auto drivers is a daily phenomenon in Delhi. Just imagine what will happen when our foreign visitors flood the city during the Games. Home minister P Chidambaram's recent observation that Delhiites needed to change some of their bad habits, especially with regard to traffic rules was right. Unfortunately, this is something that the government has no control over beyond a point. However, strict penalty on defaulters could be a way out.
But those who crowd the roads are too many to control. So, even if the infrastructure comes up in time, attitudinal changes will take ages to be accomplished.