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Inside Delhi

In the dark

Even as the Delhi Government is leaving no stone unturned in beautifying the Capital in the run-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games what with new Metro Railway routes, flyovers and stadiums lined up for construction, some basic problems, however, remain un-addressed.

The busy road connecting Indira Gandhi International Airport with Mahipalpur, for instance. The streetlights on one particular stretch of this road -- which also links neighbouring Gurgaon to Delhi -- do not function most of the time.

The stretch from the Cargo Complex of the Airports Authority of India to the Mahipalpur intersection is engulfed in darkness after sunset with only headlights of numerous cars running on the road providing some illumination. And all this when the road is one of the busiest motorways of the city.

Vehicular traffic on the road has increased manifold owing to a diversion in the earlier route thanks to the ongoing construction of a flyover and toll bridge linking suburban Gurgaon to Delhi.

Due to non-operational streetlights, people living in nearby areas generally avoid walking down the stretch during late evenings as the area sports a deserted look. Women returning from office during late hours feel insecure taking that stretch. Most ask the male members in their families to escort them from the bus stop at night. It is time for the authorities to act.

- Parul Sharma

Side-view mirrors

Thanks to congestion and rash driving on the Capital's roads, side-view mirrors are not something car owners are very eager to use. They rather keep them turned inside and many even choose not to replace them in case they are damaged. Mostly two-wheeler riders, who try to sneak out of traffic jams using the narrowest possible corridors, are major offenders on this count.

The other day a friend was waiting for the traffic signal to turn green at the ITO-Vikas Marg intersection. This particular point is largely occupied by vehicles that have to turn right towards Raj Ghat on Ring Road. As the friend headed towards the main ITO crossing waited with all the windows rolled up to keep the chill at bay, he suddenly noticed that someone was conveniently turning his side-view mirror inside. It turned out to be a motorcyclist trying to create a narrow channel to sneak through.

More than the act itself, it was the unapologetic manner in which the motorcyclist did it that drew a few angry gestures from the friend. Perhaps, realising that he was caught in the act before he could speed off, the motorcyclist offered an apology.

That was not all. The pillion rider even made an earnest attempt to set the side-view mirror right. The friend found it rather amusing and gestured to them that they could carry on. He then rolled down his window and adjusted the side-view mirror himself.

- Prashant Pandey

`Dhoom' days

It might be "Dhoom: 2'' hangover or just the thrill of speed, but motorbikes suddenly seem to be back in fashion with the younger generation on Delhi's roads. With many more young people taking to the streets "filmy'' style without their helmets, it might be a return of two-wheelers, but safety is not something that is being taken seriously.

While the two-wheeler has always been a popular choice on the Capital's chaotic roads, these new riders are a different breed.

Living up to the cliché of life in the fast lane, they have started imitating the heroes not only in their choice of vehicles but also in their stunts, which can be very dangerous.

Determined to complete the image, they also tweak the silencers to really make a "dhoom''. Taking off at top speed with a really loud noise, they often give others sleepless nights. And while imitation might be the best form of flattery, there is a dire need for some limits.

-- Mandira Nayar

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