Exposed on the Metro

  • Barnali Dutta / FG
  • India
  • Aug 29, 2014

Have the Delhiites, precisely those who commute to Gurgaon daily for their work by the much-prized Delhi Metro, lost all their civic sense and etiquette, let alone gratitude, for the services that they rely upon? The answer to this poser is a big ‘yes’, since basic and normal decency may sound Greek to a majority of the commuters on this marvel of city-rail network meticulously planned and executed by the genius of an engineer named E. Sreedharan, fondly addressed as the ‘Metro Man’.  A short travel on the Delhi Metro would reflect this glaring fact. Although not meant to cast aspersions on the behavioural traits of any community or region, it is said that North Indians are aggressive by nature and a majority of commuters on the Delhi Metro would prove this attitude. Caring two hoots for certain norms to be followed by the travelling public, this selective crowd has downplayed the efforts of the Administration for a smooth and disciplined operation of this live-wire means of communication. The uncouth acts on the part of such daily commuters have become a sort of disgrace to the Delhi Metro, which otherwise is regarded as the best managed rapid urban transport system in the country. 

The Delhi Metro, the second after Kolkata, is a virtual lifeline to the bustling hundreds of thousands of people who cope with the lengthy distances they need to travel. It now connects almost all parts of the expansive Delhi and its neighbourhood – the National Capital Region (NCR). The higher frequency of trains during peak hours helps minimise the discomfort of ‘hurry-worry’ among the growing number of commuters. However, despite these efforts, there are disgruntled commuters. A regular user, Suri, echoed his demands thus, “The authorities must increase the number of coaches, to accommodate the huge number of commuters especially during peak hours. The number of coaches could be increased from six to eight for all the trains linking Gurgaon with Delhi.” He feels that the ticket rates are reasonable, given the distances. An official of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) disagrees on the demand for more coaches. “The entire operation is planned keeping in mind the numbers during peak hours and at other times,” he says. He attributes such complaints to the commuters’ drawbacks in maintaining basic discipline, both while boarding and detraining. Citing several instances of the thoughtless stance of a section of commuters during a journey, he opines, “Some of them are grossly insensitive to the discomfort they cause to their fellow passengers.” On its part the DMRC has charted out a rulebook, contents of which are amply and vividly displayed for the benefit of the commuters at vantage points at the various stations as well as inside the rakes. These guidelines have clearly spelt out penal measures for violators of such rules. Alas, there are commuters who, with impunity, regale in confronting laid down norms meant for safe, peaceful and clean travel. There is the rule that expects the commuters to queue up, be it at the time of buying tickets (tokens, so to say) or boarding a train, which many do not follow. Also, if the booking clerk asks to tender the exact fare, there are some who question such requests. The less said the better about being considerate to fellow commuters, especially those who are disabled or aged. The rulebook also prohibits drunken and unruly behaviour while commuting and expects commuters to refrain from sauntering from one end of the train to the other. Yet, more than often all these rules are blatantly breached. 

Delhi is considered to be a haven for VIPs! Everyone on the street is a very important person, who claims to know someone ‘powerful’. Hence he believes that he has this self-imposed right to flout rules. Even standing behind the yellow line on the platforms, meant for maintaining discipline and also prevent accidents, is too much to ask! In many cases even the police authorities are unable to inculcate any sense of discipline. Yes, the security personnel (CRPF or CISF) deployed by the DMRC seem to feel handicapped in dealing with such unruly people. The vicinities of most of the stations are overflowing with crowds during the earlier part of the day (between 8 and 10am) and again at dusk (between 6 and 8pm). Be it Jehangirpuri, Dwarka Sector 21, NOIDA City Centre, Vaishali or HUDA City Centre, the scene is the same. One witnesses a larger number of aggressive and often rowdy people, for whom the Metro rulebook simply does not exist. Two elderly ladies, who commute daily to their workplace near IFFCO Chowk, doubt the possibility of taming this growing numbers of unruly passengers. They are particularly critical of the young generation. “They do not even spare pregnant ladies,” says one with deep indignation. Ladies, the younger ones in particular, find themselves facing the perennial fear of being ‘inconvenienced’ in the crowded coaches. Even though there are separate coaches for women, besides reserved seats in the general rakes, the growing number of women travellers has made it somewhat difficult for them to commute in comfort. Delhiities are not overtly known for their niceties and rarely does a man give up his seat for a lady commuter, even when she is pregnant or carrying a baby n her arms. What is a shocking sight are youngsters squatting on floors and at times littering it with empty wrappers of packed food. No wonder Monica, a student, is clearly appalled at this growing indecent and uncaring behaviour. It’s time to pull some chain.


Read More...


  • print
  • comnt
  • share

News from Communities

lowadd
  • Friday Gurgaon Seminar

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2014/8/2014_8$thumbimg129_Aug_2014_160822730.jpgOrange Fish
  • Gurgaon Speaks Up-Rest in Peace ''Damini''-Saturday Dec 29 @ Leisure Valley

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2013/1/2013_1$thumbimg104_Jan_2013_143656130.jpgOrange Fish
  • Genesis Foundation Fund Raiser

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/8/2012_8$thumbimg114_Aug_2012_091411630.jpgOrange Fish
  • Coca Cola Cricket trophy played in Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg117_Mar_2012_180857977.jpgOrange Fish
  • Union Budget 2012

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_123404760.jpgOrange Fish
  • Union Budget 2012

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg116_Mar_2012_122004320.jpgOrange Fish
  • Renge Art Walk

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/3/2012_3$thumbimg102_Mar_2012_095312690.jpgOrange Fish
  • Friday Gurgaon Cricket team

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/2/2012_2$thumbimg119_Feb_2012_195202840.jpgOrange Fish
  • Genesis Fundraiser Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/1/2012_1$thumbimg129_Jan_2012_072409630.jpgOrange Fish
  • Gurgaon

    http://fridaygurgaon.com/arap_media_cms/gall_content/2012/1/2012_1$thumbimg102_Jan_2012_165747220.jpgOrange Fish

Latest Issue

Poll

Do you think government should reconsider its policy of promoting liquor vends in Gurgaon?



votebox View Results