Here's the venerable The New York Times proclaiming loudly 'Indians Hit the Road Amid Elephants'. Elephants prowling on Delhi roads? I have seen my fair share of cows, but elephants? Looks like an enthusiastic desk hand let his imagination run riot.
As you read the piece there's more. At least this morning there was no elephant chewing bamboo in the fast lane, as there sometimes is. I've been in Delhi for eleven years, and I have still not been privileged enough to bump into an elephant on the roads.
The article has raised some relevant points, but falls into the trap of stemming from a pre-determined conclusion, giving full scope for sprinkling it with the masala of cliches.
Elephantine traffic jams though are very much part of the plot in Delhi. But it is unfair to lay the blame only at the door of poor infrastructure. Narrow roads are part and parcel of most Indian cities, but that is one charge which cannot be levelled against most of Delhi. The capital city has the widest roads in the country, has the maximum number of flyovers. On the other hand, the reality is that the number of vehicles are simply too large.
Along with the sheer number, drivers and pedestrians alike have scant regard for traffic rules. Half the accidents could be avoided if they can resist the temptation to be there first as well as fast. More of discipline and less of jugaad would help matters considerably.
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