Presenting a very short depiction of driving in Hyderabad. These are just observations....
Driving Machines: People of old Hyderabad preferred the Bajaj Chetak because (a) it's a family car, (b) we love carrying our world with us on a scooter and (c) it’s comfortable to drive wearing an Indonesian lungi. But the race of bikes over scooters and also subsequently Bajaj's plan to replace scooters with mobikes has forced them to think of bikes as an alternative...they came as Hero Honda-Passion (+) (sometime back it was Splendour) because it carries a better selling value. You will find lots of Autos, 7seaters, (now banned in the city limits) Piaggio autos, and now Tata's Magic (gaining momentum) over the roads. Still you can find vintage mopeds and scooters such as the spectacular Luna TFR+, TVS Champ, Bajaj M80 and many more... In the category of 4 wheels, one can really see the Premier Padmini, Maruti 800s debut model, old Fiats and others. People still drive them with the same enthusiasm and great passion, like when they drove them for the first time.
Roads: Coming on to the roads...Masha Allah. Roads in Hyderabad are the best place to note India's religious diversity. You can find a Hindu God suddenly in the middle of the road and simultaneously a mosque on the other side. One can really notice the mandirs, masjids and kabr or mazars on the roads. Its Not very clear whether roads have been encroached for such purposes or vice-versa (it’s not that clear) . So, no developmental agencies (Govt & Non Govt.) can even in their wildest dreams think of doing away with it...Whether the traffic congestion will be reduced or not but it guarantees one thing - nightmares. Nightmares for the whole of Hyderabad and also at the national level. Actually they are very important parts of our beliefs, it really doesn't matter if it obstructs the traffic or accidents. No religion will take a backseat.
But being optimistic, I look forward...
Another important component of the roads are "the speed breakers". Actually they are vehicle breakers. They are different, because they do not follow any standards for their dimensions and are not constructed by R&B dept, municipal or any other civic body. Most interesting part of it is...they are everywhere in all the gallies and at places they also constitute the landmark for the residents of those localities...sometimes the number of so-called speed breakers matches or even exceeds the number of houses in a particular gally.
Traffic Signals: They are I thinkkkkk, another wonderful thing in Hyderabad. At some places, I don't understand why people follow the regulations, and when it comes to our purana shehar, people choose selective viewing. They will not see it, not follow it, which prevents traffic jams.... for sure. Traffic Police try their best to help people learn and understand the importance of following traffic signals, but is there a need??? It is very much evident at the Shah-ali-banda X roads, Lal Darwaza Mod and at Chandrayangutta X Roads...
Helmets: Helmets and seat belts are the biggest enemies while driving a vehicle. Normally one carries a helmet, so that s/he can prevent challans from the Traffic Police, otherwise it’s a burden... After all...nothing relieves like freedom...
And Now comes the Driving...Vroooooooooooooooooooom---
People just love driving in our old city. People here are just experts in driving, that too diehard. The driving pattern is kabil-e-tareef. Most of the roads are well occupied with the two wheelers and three wheelers (arey...apna auto). While driving, the drivers hate revealing their driving/turning plans. They seldom use indicators as if the driver behind may start following him. It’s not that they do not indicate but in the nick of time, they will just show their four fingers (rarely, the full palm) in the direction where they are going. Pretending his part is over. Care flows over the roads of Hyderabad. Caring drivers/people of old Hyderabad are very concerned, especially when one "indicates" (by 4 fingers), they suddenly act towards it. Just indicating is the only job of the person ahead and now the ball falls in the person's court who is driving behind. He has to take all necessary measures, to save him by whatever he can do (by applying sudden breaks, slowing down, zig-zagging his vehicle and balancing it, etc.) It becomes his fundamental duty to save you.
Euphoric Drive: Another very important aspect, worth realizing......sleeping while driving. No..no, not actually, but there are certain people, they enjoy their Id (Sigmund Freud) or euphoric; meaning-irrespective of the type of the vehicle they are driving (from bullock cart to Luna-TFR plus or an auto carrying 10 people) they stick to their lanes (especially on the right side), because they feel comfortable. Dare you not try eliminate them with your vehicular Sound Horn System, because it simply doesn't work.
Anyways............Wish you Happy & Safe Driving...in Hyderabad.
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