An ordeal on the road

by August 13, 2008 Commute

A citizen's account of the ordeal she had to go through on road to reach the railway station, all in vain.

I was in a miserable state of mind on Independence Day. The traffic nightmare that I was subjected to on the previous evening was the reason.

On 14th August 2008 evening, there was a heavy downpour in Bangalore. My domestic help was to board the Rajdhani to Delhi scheduled to depart at 8.20 PM. We reside at Old Madras Road close to C.V.Raman Nagar. We started at 6.30 PM, a good 2 hours ahead. I cannot explain the nightmare that we went through….

Horror Situations

1. To engage an auto to take us to the station
2. Negotiating a fare which was jacked up to Rs.200
3. Traffic jam at every nook and corner
4. An ambulance stuck in the traffic jam with a patient on board

We reached the station at 8.45 PM ,which I would like to add, was at a supersonic speed, thanks to the skills of the ‘James Bond’ auto rickshaw driver. Well! Of course my domestic help missed the train.

I was shaken up when the ambulance was stuck in traffic and I could see apathy amongst the motorists, except for a few concerned bystanders who tried to ease the traffic.

Is there any way I can contribute, whenever possible, to ease the traffic situation or equip Bangalore to handle a heavy downpour more effectively?⊕

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