July 2006 – I will remember as a month in which my brother and I lost one of the most beloved friends of ours. He was vibrant, passionate and above all humane. Bright, charming and at the same time passionate about India. So much so that he let go of multiple opportunities to either study or work abroad. He did not believe in brain drain.

We used to call him as AK. AK passed away in a tragic traffic accident involving motorists. I was in London at that time and this is what I heard about the incident from my brother.

This incident happened in Hyderabad. AK was coming back from his work around midnight. He was riding a bike and was on his way to meet my brother at a common place. AK crossed one of the flyovers and was riding the bike in his usual average speed. There was another bike that was coming from the opposite direction and there was a car in front of the other bike. Without realizing there was someone in front, the bike from the opposite side tried to overtake the car and hit AK’s bike head on.

AK flew and fell onto the ground breaking many bones. The other bike had two riders. Both fell on the ground, as well with an even bigger impact. Traffic came to a halt. My brother was called in by a stranger and he arrived at the spot in 10 mins. What he saw next was a picture that would last a lifetime. My brother couldn’t believe his eyes

AK and two others were lying dead in a pool of blood.

Many days passed by. I still see that fear, anger, anguish in my brother’s eyes. I could not console him for the loss he suffered and I could not imagine the state of AK’s family and other friends. AK’s family was shattered. My brother was helpless. So were the others.

That was some two and a half years back.

The story is still the same across the country. AK was one of the many thousand victims who lost their lives because of poor infrastructure, bad governance and pathetic traffic management system.

What did the government do then ? – Nothing.

What did the government do since then ? – Nothing.

What is the government planning to do ? – Anybody’s guess.

With the recent Mumbai attacks, everyone all over the world seems to have shaken up and started some or the other campaign against terrorism.

Why can’t a similar shake up happen for our infrastructure management, our traffic management system etc which are the causes for such state of affairs ?

I would like to see a traffic system in place in India with at least the basics right. I have listed few of my wishlist here

1. Cross roads manned by Traffic Lights, Camera and Cops- Have you ever heard of a Traffic Challan being sent to your house ? I am looking at a system where traffic violators will be caught on camera and that very moment he will be sent a notice to his house with proof of the violation.
2. Separate roads for bikers and cyclists – How many bikes do you see on highways abroad and how many you see in India ? How many bike riders truly “gear up” themselves ?
3. Banning of heavy trucks into the city – Why should the industrial facilities be within the city ? Why can’t all of it move out ?
4. City roads with one-way traffic system, wherever possible within the city – In some cities I have seen dividers and in others not even that. Firstly the quality of material used in those dividers are not good. Secondly when you have the divider you have a one-lane traffic. What else do you expect ? A free way ?
5. Congestion Tax, Road Tax collected at the Point of Entry for cities – Those who want to have it easy should have to pay for it. We talk about climate change, global warming etc. Is it not easier to control it by purely reducing the traffic inflow by simply increasing the entry cost ? Look at London & New York – It costs nearly GBP 8 and USD 10 to enter the city. I am not even talking about the parking cost
6. Rigorous penalty for offenders including imprisonment, community service wherever applicable
7. Point system for serial offenders – Points?? What are they ? Our babus would have heard about it when they saw the latest Sania Mirza and Venus William match. Wont be surprised if they hired a McKinsey to understand what point system is all about. High time they bring in a system that brings in accountability
8. Driving Licence to be given after 3 months of Learners Licence – Currently it is given after 1 month. No wonder you have the extra adrenalin pumping when you touch those sensuous steering wheel. Got to stop this.
9. Learners to be accompanied by qualified adults at all time
10. Driving restrictions for certain timings
11. Compulsory reissue of Identity cards aligning to all other National Identification system
12. Strict testing procedures – both online and road test
13. Stop signals at the corner of every intersections
14. Point based insurance system for the driver and not the vehicle.
15. And of course unparalleled highways for outside-the-city traffic with multiple lanes and highway management system

The list is endless.

The point is we in India DO NOT tend to value the life of a fellow citizen. That is the root cause of all problems. If we start valuing the life of an Indian, everything else will fall in place.

Value the Life of An Indian – That is My Vision for India !

Image Credit: Ateabutnoe

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