Within a month of installing the three pairs of speed breakers on the JJ Flyover, sense seems to have prevailed at the Mumbai Traffic Police. They are likely to take a decision to remove the speed breakers. (Speed breakers may go from JJ - Chittaranjan Tembhekar, TNN, 3rd July 2010 http://bit.ly/bG71N8)
But not before motorists had themselves removed blocks of rubberised speed arresters, in protest of the ridiculous design and placement of the speedbreakers. Motorists have to virtually stop their vehicles at the speed breakers, leading to traffic snarls during rush hours. A four- to five-minute ride on the bridge now takes 10-15 minutes depending on the time of day.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Green & Scenic Climb : Mangalore to Coorg
8 am on a Sunday morning is indeed too early for sleepy town of Mangalore. Most shops and restaurants shut. As we pass thru the city, we can see the advantage of an uncrowded place - sprawling bungalows and individual houses. But also the lack of planning in town development. But hey, is there any town in India which can boast that?
There is a continuous stream of houses and civilisation. Nothing to symbolise the passing of one village/town/district and entering another one. (Not as populated as Kerala though) Passed the 80 km milestone to Madekeri (Coorg).
Passed through Sullia - a large-ish town - more like a one street town with shops, establishments on both sides. It is amazing that State Highways pass right through the middle of towns instead of taking a by-pass around it. Not only is it a public hazard for the residents, but also reduces the average speed of travel.
Now 20 km away and vegetation becomes thicker, road bumpier, climb steeper, and lost mobile signal. Now rubber trees with contraptions to collect the sap. Reach Madekeri.
The winding road is quite motorable, but a 2-lane with no divider. So average speeds are low since its difficult overtaking slow vehicles. The 140 km taking about 4 hours.
Once you leave Mangalore, the road stretchs along orchards of betelnut, coconut and banana giving a cool and pleasant view. The fertile land ensures lots of greenery on both sides of the road. Much of the road is also lined with cottages and bungalows - probably the owners of the orchards.
There is a continuous stream of houses and civilisation. Nothing to symbolise the passing of one village/town/district and entering another one. (Not as populated as Kerala though) Passed the 80 km milestone to Madekeri (Coorg). ....... More of the same - downhill and uphill. Ads of submersible pumps, AC sheets, Jewellery and Cement. Thankfully, no speed breakers on the way. (Especially since I am on the last seat of a Qualis)
Passed through Sullia - a large-ish town - more like a one street town with shops, establishments on both sides. It is amazing that State Highways pass right through the middle of towns instead of taking a by-pass around it. Not only is it a public hazard for the residents, but also reduces the average speed of travel. Sunday, January 3, 2010
Top 5 Driving Resolutions 2010
2010 is here and its time to make resolutions (even if you may not be able to keep all of them - like Oscar Wilde said "Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account"!). Nevertheless, its that time of the year when you plan to make some significant changes in your life. Since driving (or being driven) forms an important part of your life, here are some pointers to improve your driving experience (and of other fellow users of the road) :
Res #1. I will not honk (in traffic, as I realise that the air waves generated by the car horn do not have the kinetic energy to propel the traffic ahead of me!)
Res #2. I will not try and teach the other motorist a lesson (even if he cuts into my lane or whatever - I will leave the matter to Darwin's Law of Natural Selection. Ref my post http://bit.ly/6TKHeK)
Res #3. I will allow an Ambulance the right of way (and not follow it immediately afterwards) by keeping to the left and slowing down. It is surprising how little road users know about giving way to emergency vehicles. I have had to explain this to cab drivers almost every time.
Res #4. I will leave the right side of the road for motorists in a hurry (when I feel like coasting along at a low speed). It is funny how the right most lane, which is meant for overtaking is the slowest lane and you usually are forced to overtake from the left side!
Res #5. I will not get upset with other errant motorists (as that will only affect me and not the other person) Ref to my blog post http://bit.ly/7Od4j1
Wishing you all a Happy Driving Experience all year round in 2010!
Res #1. I will not honk (in traffic, as I realise that the air waves generated by the car horn do not have the kinetic energy to propel the traffic ahead of me!)
Res #2. I will not try and teach the other motorist a lesson (even if he cuts into my lane or whatever - I will leave the matter to Darwin's Law of Natural Selection. Ref my post http://bit.ly/6TKHeK)
Res #3. I will allow an Ambulance the right of way (and not follow it immediately afterwards) by keeping to the left and slowing down. It is surprising how little road users know about giving way to emergency vehicles. I have had to explain this to cab drivers almost every time.
Res #4. I will leave the right side of the road for motorists in a hurry (when I feel like coasting along at a low speed). It is funny how the right most lane, which is meant for overtaking is the slowest lane and you usually are forced to overtake from the left side!
Res #5. I will not get upset with other errant motorists (as that will only affect me and not the other person) Ref to my blog post http://bit.ly/7Od4j1
Wishing you all a Happy Driving Experience all year round in 2010!
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