LoknathNAMA

Like everyday, on my way back from office, I was coming in a BEST bus from Vikhroli station to IITBombay main gate today. The bus halted on the way near Gandhinagar over bridge due to traffic problem.

‘After two three years, roads will be wider. We will have wide road.” a visibly tried conductor told standing near the front entrance of the bus.

“You are thinking that bus number will not be increased!”, countered the driver. Both driver and conductor seem above 40 and must be with the BEST for above 15 years. Conductor was silent. But an old man seating on the reserved seat for aged people shouted back,” Where will they get so much oil to run so many vehicles?’

I was a frustrated passenger who travels daily on this road through traffic problems. I came closure to the front gate to participate in the discussion which is by the people

 those are veteran road operator. I asked the old man about situation in his time.

The old man started speaking, “ I am of 80 years. I have seen Mumbai with smaller roads. People were earning Rs 7 /- per month. It was such great money.” I was keen to know about the road traffic situation then. But the man continues to speak on economic situation. I was  not ready to listen. The bus driver found opportunity to carry bus a little ahead in this traffic jamm.

“Vehicle should run on water, not oil.” another passenger posted his comment from backside. Like me he was also probably interested to see the debate to continue.

The traffic problem was acute. There was no hope of bus moving ahead immediately. I thought to get down and walk as my residence was not so far.

“See traffic problem of the city has direct relation with economy of the city.” the old man posted to me as he saw I am getting down. “Any economic plan should be forced to include handling traffic problems it will incur. The plan may be of Government, private or even at an individual level. You will set up a small hotel. Your activity will also add to traffic of the city. You need to have some steps from the beginning to contribute for the solutions.” the old man continued to talk.

‘Then traffic management has been an independent sector and it has to be looked into like pollution while issuing any license.” he quickly concluded.

I got down finally from the bus.