Pune the cultural and green city of India, has over the years gained a new identity as the 7th Metro City of India or has lost its original charisma is a debate in every chowk, mohalla, katta or so-called congregations of local Puneite’s.
Pune now looks like a concrete jungle in opposition to its original look of a township spread amidst a sprinkle of greens. Traffic in the city is the nastiest compared to any other towns in India or for that matter any town across the globe.
It’s a common saying “One who can drive in Pune, can drive anywhere in the world…!”
That’s true to an extent as Pune is somewhat an unplanned city. The unbelievable growth the city has seen over the years has put the Governance is a situation where in the situation is getting more and worse even before they can think of a corrective action. Let’s let the Governance rest in peace.
The horizons of Pune are growing year after year and the number of vehicles on the road is the highest for per thousand population compared to any other city.
The lacunae of a robust public transport system, wide and good quality roads and most importantly public awareness are the major causes for the current gigantic and traumatic state of affairs. I would like to add to this list is the attitude of Puneite’s.
Puneite’s while travelling back home from the daily schedules after sunset are a treat to watch. All are so frustrated not by their hectic schedules but the inevitable traffic jams that they are willing to take any pass way and break every traffic rule in an endeavor to reach further down the journey thus making the situation more vulnerable.
I am one of the millions of Puneite’s who take the drive home once the sun sets. Till a few years back I too was a part of this frustrated mob trying out all possible measures to reach home fast for what reason I am yet to know.
Over the years it became a routine and then when I had at times taken the same route on a Sunday when the lanes are comparably traffic free, I did not in any way enjoy my drive.
I took a note of it and since then I have started enjoying my drives back home at the city pace and not my pace.
Now when travelling back I am looking for that guy on a racer back who can kill a few because he needs to be a meter ahead to be adjacent to the lovely chic who probably has not noticed him even.
I listen to all the yelling the hubby is receiving from his pillion wife carrying bags of shopping’s probably the hubby himself has spent for.
I specially get interested when two oldies begin with…. “In our times…” But cannot prolong as horns start yelling at you and you need to pace up.
It’s always a treat a stand aside a car with a sweet baby in the back seat. It’s such a good freshener to see the baby smile.
Overall Pune has not changed… It is still the cool city it used to be. The cool breeze welcomes you every evening… Yes the bird chirping is not audible but these days it’s been replaced by the loud horns of the vehicles that are in such a hurry to reach their destinations… Albeit… even they make good music… if you enjoy it…
Only thing you need to do is be happy and enjoy the situation. Enjoy travelling… Enjoy Pune…!!!
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