Curb cars to combat curse of congestion

Bengaluru has earned yet another dubious distinction with the city being ranked as 'India's most congested city' in the recently released Traffic Quality index (TQI). Mumbai ranked second on the TQI while Delhi and Hyderabad were ranked the third and fourth most congested cities. The city roads, now teetering under the wheels of nearly ten million automobiles, have not seen any expansion during the last three decades when Bengaluru witnessed population explosion from 40 lakh to 1.40 crore. The city fathers have come up with formulaic solutions such as building flyovers, underpasses and the latest tunnels. Someone was right when he commented that "building more flyovers is like giving oversized pants to someone who is obese". Bursting at its seams, the city cannot take any more private vehicles, particularly cars which make an extravagant claim on narrow roads, guzzle up fossils fuels imported in lieu of forex, and emit noxious fumes to render the city's environment unliveable.

The solution lies not only in enhancing public transport but also in curbing private vehicles, especially cars. Private vehicles are not merely stationary during most of their lifespan but also claim public space during their parked hours. There must be laws prohibiting issue of car and private vehicle licence to those who do not own parking space at homes as well as at their workplace. Japan has laws to that effect. In a democracy private vehicles should not be viewed as private possessions. Purchase of vehicles maybe a personal option. But they do have public consequences. This is where the issue finds scope for innovative legislation.