Expect nothing without a systematic road transportation system

95 Comments
263,869 views

If I begin with the fact that most of our literate Indians do not even know the precise meaning of road transport signals, rest of the paragraphs can be dispensed with. The milieu, however, has deteriorated to such an extent that mentioning some crucial facts is essential. The fatality risk (road traffic accidents) is above 10 per 100,000 people, which even crosses 11 when metropolitan cities are talked about. And when the new government favors easy living for the common man, they will have to realize that our bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized commuters are the most vulnerable to these fatal risks, which is contrary to other developed nations where commuting by car or public transport vehicles is more risky. Doesn’t the fact reveal that though we have those red and green indicators, rarely does anyone cares to follow the laid down rules. And if someone disobeys that red signal, it is easy to escape by bribing the traffic policeman.

Pervasive corruption in Regional Transport Offices is known even to the law-protectors. Isn’t it surprising that prior to the introduction of biometric data recording system in the process of issuance/ renewal of driving licenses, any person could easily get a license without visiting the RTO even once. Yes, the problem lies within us and if the intentions of the new PM, as he delivered on the 68th Independence Day, come true many of our road transportation concerns will eradicate. But prior to awakening the common man with respect to following the traffic rules, or for that matter along with such awakening, the government and other officials will have to play a vital role. When we know that the economic viability of a country and residents therein is linked with mobility of people and goods, the domain, indeed, cannot be left in vain.

Another fact that uncovers this grave concern is that India ranks top in the world in terms of cases of road accidents with more than 14 deaths and above 50 injuries every hour. Next, let me come to the issue of pollution which comes into play when our worn-out vehicles move freely on Indian roads. Herein, Suspended Particulate Matters (SPMs), which is the most hazardous to human health, need a special mention as its emission exceeds the limit set by the World Health Organization in most of our metro cities. In this context, if one would check as to how many of the vehicles running on our roads have a legitimate PUC (Pollution under Control Certificate), the alertness of our transport system and law protectors will be exposed. And do the travelers in India even know that if a vehicle is found visibly polluting, even a valid PUC stands void.

The failure owes to modal split (percentage of travelers using a particular transportation mode/ number of trips per such mode), scarcity of road safety policies, unawareness of general public, laidback approach of transport officials, and poor infrastructure. Adding to the curse are those freely moving hawkers, unlawfully parked vehicles, and recklessly driving two-wheelers. Rules pertaining to use of helmets, seat belts, number of commuters, and pollution are rarely followed in rural as well as urban parts of India. Also, it is beyond understanding how distinct streams of transport viz. pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, cars, buses, rickshaws and auto rickshaws can move on same busy road. And when you visit the states of U.P., Bihar, or Punjab, you can find buses and autos parked in the center of roads for engaging passengers, thus leading to anarchy.

Time has arrived to discuss some workable solutions. Foremost, the most viable answer to the concern of transportation chaos is developing regional economies. By this I mean that a specific region must embrace the entire requisite infrastructure ranging from services, shopping, work prospects, and leisure facilities. Though this target is more than challenging to achieve; however the outcomes will be lesser fatal accidents and better standard of living. Next, the new leaders will need to restructure the public transport domain particularly buses. In this context, it is to be noted that most of Indian commuters rely on personal means rather than on metros, rails, and buses. Publicly owned bus systems need special heed. Herein, it becomes vital to know that the Calcutta State Transport Corporation relies heavily on subsidies as the revenues are capable of covering only three-fourth of cost of operations. Fares, if needed, shall be hiked just like rails.

In view of economic dexterity, every government promotes the sale and use of privately-owned vehicles viz. two-wheelers and cars and hence the fact that the roads of our country aren’t apt enough to carry such high pressure goes overlooked. Many western countries promote use of bicycles and other green channels that not only take care of the environment but also ensures safety and public health. Also, the price differential in terms of petrol and diesel should only be allowed to promote farmers and public transport operators, and not to privately-owned diesel cars. The Motor Vehicle Act demands urgent amendments with respect to hardening of vehicle emission standards in India which are way sloppier than Euro standards. More than half of the Indian vehicles are above 5 years old, many among which are decades old, hence not complying with the standards set for environmental prevention, thus demanding for apt dumping laws.

It is evident that not all in this direction can be attained by only the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India, currently headed by Mr. Nitin Gadkari. Unified efforts are the need of the hour and all officials, government departments, automobile companies, and the common man have to be the contributories. Car-pooling and such other constructive means are to be promoted. Along with, public awareness programmes for promoting better conformity to laws should be frequently organized. It is expected that the new law-makers will recognize the issues of road congestion, fatal accidents, and ever-rising air pollution. Works in this direction seem to have begun when the new Minister announced scrapping of RTOs, studying of traffic laws of six different countries for firming our law, and proposal of cancellation of driving license of someone who jumps the red light thrice. To end corruption, however, the most spirited role has to be played by us who look for easy and deceitful ways to escape laws and punishments.

95 thoughts on “Expect nothing without a systematic road transportation system”

  8. V.S. Chauhan

    Just spent a few very enjoyable minutes looking at the site. Excellent!
    Well done. Overall very good: clean, easy to navigate, informative and, importantly, interesting.

    Reply ↓
  12. Sachin

    Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this amazing site needs much more attention.
    I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice!

    Reply ↓
  19. Krishna Bhakta Ramesh S.

    Can I just say what a relief to discover someone that actually understands what they are talking about over the internet.
    You definitely understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people really need to read this and understand this side of the story.
    I was surprised that you aren’t more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.

    Reply ↓
  20. D.K. Goyal

    What I have seen so far is brilliant and everyone involved should be congratulated.
    I can see me spending the rest of the evening perusing the site.
    Just when I thought I would like an early night!

    Reply ↓
  23. Sunil

    It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of information.
    I’m satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.
    Please keep us informed like this.

    Reply ↓
  36. Ashish

    Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this site,
    and piece of writing is genuinely fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these types of content.

    Reply ↓
  44. Shyam

    Thanks for the marvelous posting!
    I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.
    I will always bookmark your blog and will come back very soon.
    I want to encourage that you continue your great work,have a nice day!

    Reply ↓
  45. T.V. Malik

    Thank you for some other magnificent post.
    Where else could anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect manner of writing?
    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such information.

    Reply ↓
  47. V. Malhotra

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, however I assumed this publish was great.
    I do not recognize who you are however certainly you are going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already. Cheers!

    Reply ↓
  50. Akhilesh

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
    Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

    Reply ↓
  72. Karan

    If some one wishes to be updated with most recent technologies therefore he must be pay a quick visit this site and be up to date all the time.

    Reply ↓
  81. Saksham

    I just want to say I am just all new to blogging and site-building and absolutely enjoyed this web site.
    Likely I want to bookmark your site .
    You actually come with amazing writings.
    Bless you for sharing your web page.

    Reply ↓
  84. Sudhanshu Mitra

    Who asks for low fares? Politicians do it only for votes.
    I think prices should be increased if the government promises to provide better services.
    For cars, I will suggest car pooling. I do that. It is cost saving.

    Reply ↓
  85. Ashish Dev

    People movement is very basic need in a country.
    Just because our road transport is very bad,
    we commute via metros and own vehicles.
    Government should encourage public transport by improving it.

    Reply ↓
  87. Prerna Solanki

    So many people get killed in road accidents.
    Is this not a severe crime.
    Our traffic police and law makers are also responsible.
    But no court or law can take action against them.

    Reply ↓
  88. Arun Mehra

    People are very proud of breaking laws these days.
    This has become fashion and people flaunt it.
    This way we are moving towards failures and mishaps.
    God save this country.

    Reply ↓
  89. Vishesh Sharma

    You are very right in saying that this all starts with the common man.
    Even I many a time do this.
    But we are into a habit now.
    Noboday wants to wait at red lights.
    Like clean India introduce clean transport.

    Reply ↓
  90. Debashish Mohamty

    Transport is state issue.
    And state politics is known to everyone.
    The workers of ruling party drive recklessly breaking all laws and even with hooters and red light.
    Transport should go to central government.

    Reply ↓
  91. Colandra

    Best method is to hire more traffic men and that too from Indian army.
    They will teach people how to obey rules.
    There is not strictness.
    Police is afraid of people as I can see.

    Reply ↓
  92. Aditya Agarwal

    I have been to a couple of countries,
    even poor than India in terms of GDP but they have systematic way of transport.
    People follow rules. Here every one thinks of bribing.
    What about the new law we heard of??

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *