Pune tethe kaya uune….!!
The last I visited India was in the year 2017. My recent trip was a one-week quick trip to #Pune (Maharashtra) towards the end of March 2024. Oh boy, it was HOT, oppressing heat, a constant 35 degrees (centigrade) plus during daytime with no breeze whatsoever. The little breeze that would skip through was warm. This blog certainly is not to talk about the climate of Pune or the impacts of climate change on a city. After a break of 7 years, one would imagine changes, good and bad, to a city, which surely there were. Lot many construction sites all around. Builders are building, as there are people to buy. The roads are becoming narrower whereas the traffic is expanding. Previously the city had majority of two wheelers and now this majority have moved towards four wheelers. They have become affordable to masses and people so have shifted to some comfort which is adding to the chaos.
One thing Pune people have in common is disobedience when it comes to driving, be it any kind, type, size or shape of vehicle. The painted lanes are there just because municipality had spare white paint cans in their warehouses which they decided to get rid of but with some effectiveness. So, they painted lanes. The traffic lights are a mere color circles adding colors to one’s black and white life. Even if the signal is RED, the two wheelers, auto-rikshaws, even some state-owned buses drive through as nothing has happened and will happen. Others will consider and take care. Following the traffic signal rules is looked upon as some derogatory comment, and since everyone’s ego is at the top, who cares. Every (this is a bit exaggeration but can’t quantify so let’s go with it) rider/driver thinks stopping at the red light is detrimental to their growth (time is money..isn’t it). The zebra crossings have the same plight. Painted as more paint was left. Someone thought let’s paint something that will mimic a bridge that joins two ends of the road. Not a single vehicle was beyond the zebra crossing. Imagine some pedestrian wanting to cross the road, has to circumnavigate such vehicles and quickly complete the crossing as one can’t rely on because the signal is red so vehicles will not move. It is very dangerous to cross roads for anyone be it an athletic youth or a senior citizen.
Some call it as an organized chaos. Every driver has some kind of a sixth sense. Interestingly I haven’t seen anyone getting hit or bumped on. They all take care of each other. Rear view mirrors are folded down on both two wheelers and cars too. They don’t need to see what’s behind or who is coming sideways. They just keep going. Organised chaos is good at times but not always. Not creating a chaos is in our hands in first place. I only hope and wish nothing major happens and everyone reach homes safe and sound.
Honking is another nuisance, not just Pune but all over India. The horn is a God gifted element and I must make use of it anytime I desire, or else God will punish – is probably the thought in everyone’s mind. People also think or expect, if I press the horn the front vehicle will automatically move (or rather fly?) even if there’s no space, so keep honking. The signal is still red and coming towards the end of its cycle to become green, but we have no patience. Drivers start honking as if the signal will listen and turn green quickly. The thumb is always on the horn. It is their birthright to honk, making use of every functionality the vehicle offers.
Wrong side driving is a skill. Vehicles driving right/correct side of the road give them ways admiring their skills. Life moves on as if nothing is out of place. What I found amiss this time is less police presence at traffic junctions. A free reign to the drivers, do as you please..!
With all this and much more I admire the city as it moves on. People have taken this as their life and a system to follow, so no one want to change, or make the change. Be the change.
What needs to change is the behavior and thinking. The ‘chalta hai’ (who cares) attitude must go. Everything can’t be pushed on to the government to do. This is an individual entity that an individual need to manage. Facilities and rules are provided for betterment and safety which one must respect. India is a superpower and close to becoming a major superpower competing with the handful of developed nations, USA one of them. Hence let us support and show the world that we are good/better in every aspect.
Ranjit Tamhankar 
Leave a comment