Past midnight on March 12, two final year students of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Bhopal were killed when a Sanchi milk mini truck allegedly hit their motorcycle in MP Nagar area of Bhopal. It is sad that the unfortunate accident resulted in loss of two young lives and the end of the dreams of their parents. Yet, as in the past this particular incident is not likely to alert others to be cautious and careful while driving or the police to make some extra effort to discipline the wayward drivers who have turned the city roads into killing fields.
There is an ever-expanding tribe of the motorists who have been behaving irresponsibly and for whatever reasons (Shortage of manpower, poor roads and infrastructure, lack of political will to enforce the law et al) the Bhopal police have been unable to bring a semblance of order to the madness on the roads. A cursory look at the city traffic will reveal that it is all "Ram Bharose".
Very few people are observing the traffic rules. Not many are showing consideration to the other road users, motorists or pedestrians. "Me at all cost and to hell with others" appears to be the motto. There are some who do not respect the traffic signals. The roads have been narrowed by unchecked encroachments, Ill placed hoardings and commercialization of footpaths. The BMC promises the moon but does precious little to alleviate the problems. If anything its pampered staff connives in compounding the problem.
The city administration need to wake up to the seriousness of the problem and administer a heavy dose of discipline to the motorists particularly the two wheeler riders. It will be worthwhile allotting them one particular lane on all city roads so that they do not interfere with the flow of the rest of the traffic.
Their zigzagging, overloading, mobile use while in motion and overtaking from the wrong side have one and all resulted in more than 90% of the accidents.
Is someone listening?
RJ Khurana, Bhopal
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