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While at the signal...
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With four-wheelers doubling as the next best alternative to home, car owners in town are gung ho about living out of their vehicle
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Make-up on the move -- Photos: Mohd. Yousuf
FOR MOST young go-getters in town, a car is not just a means of transport. A status symbol? Nope. Not greater than its utility as an essential space when it comes to urban living. Ever heard of the how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-car dictum?
Monica, who lives about 20 km away from her office, is more than familiar with the route. The 30-second pit stops at major traffic junctions are crucial — time to put on the eyeliner or apply the final coat of nail enamel. Likewise Raghav, a sales manager with an MNC, uses the breaks in commuting time to wear his tie and that dash of irresistible Hugo Boss, to pick up sandwiches for a breakfast on the go and to grab a bite commuting between meetings. If that's not all, today it is common to carry along a change of clothes and footwear for that after work disco or shaadi to attend, in the passenger seat.
Thanks to the four-wheeler doubling up as the next best alternative to going home. A phenomenon hitherto related with Mumbai is slowly making inroads in our city thanks to increasing commuting distances, traffic chaos and perennial traffic jams, apart from the sheer convenience of it all.
"It happens in Mumbai eternally. The pace there is crazy and punctuality is a big thing. The same is seen here. I pack up a pair of formal shoes when there is an event in the evening, since you cannot run around in heels. My friends who go to the aerobic classes carry work wear in the car," says Meghna Kamat, marketing and communications manager.
Stephen believes in making the best use of the drive.
Along with the tool kit, jack and spare tyres, typical paraphernalia that is finding its way into the car `wardrobe' includes air fresheners, Swiss knife, tissues, accessories, clothes -- jackets, tees, tops, shoes, and cosmetics — body lotion, cold cream, lip balm and deodorant. "Old newspapers to wipe the windshield, soap dispenser and towel," adds Piyush, a student. Stephen who works for a leading BPO explains, "my car has baseball bag with a pair of sports shoes, back up formals just in case there is a gig to attend, my diary and planner." "We stock up food and liquor in the car where we hold business meetings often," adds Rajesh, who heads a firm.
"A lot of cars these days have place to hold cans, coffee, mobile phones and charger. There can be more stuff that people carry if they live far from work places," says Nihar Mody. "I live out of my Ikon. There is lots of music, water, mobile charger and an extra pair of clothes if I am heading from my office for a meeting," says 27-year-old Ankur Agarwal who clocks about 80 km a day on an average.
"It is always good to just drive but when you want to get more out your time, living out of the car is a necessity. Commuting back home seems scary and tiresome," says Stephen.
With no respite to the existing state of affairs on road, a probable extension of the trend next should be car homes. Any takers?
SYEDA FARIDA
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Mangalore
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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