Commuting was never so convenient
This refers to Furquan Ameen Siddiqui and Zofeen Maqsood’s article A decade of Delhi Metro (The Big Story, December 9). The Metro has revolutionised Delhi’s public transport that was once characterised by buses that were pathetic and inadequate. Getting around Delhi was never so convenient.
Mahesh Kapasi, Chandigarh
Nothing beyond Modi right now
With reference to Rajesh Mahapatra and Mahesh Langa’s article Moditva beyond 2012 (Focus, December 9), As far as Narendra Modi’s prime ministerial ambitions are concerned, one must adopt a wait-and-watch policy as the game of politics might change by 2014. Keshubhai Patel may dent Modi’s supremacy but these assembly elections are all about Modi.
Vijai Pant, Delhi
It’s always a green signal for VIPs
With reference to It’s time to change lanes (Chanakya, December 9), it is appalling that in the garb of security, VIP vehicles sporting beacon lights zoom across the roads while the people whom they are appointed to serve face the brunt of punishing delays caused by traffic jams. Many man hours are lost especially when no traffic restriction is in place. If the world’s most powerful man Barack Obama’s cavalcade is able to move with lightning speed in the US, why can’t this be done here? It is high time the government took measures to minimise this kind of inconvenience caused to the public.
Ranjana Manchanda, via email
II
There have been several instances wherein traffic jams, caused due to the passage of VIP convoys, have resulted in deaths of patients as ambulances couldn’t make it to the hospital on time. I feel ambulances should not be made to follow traffic restrictions as any delay in responding to medical emergencies is a matter of life and death. It is sad that VIP convoys have become a matter of routine. Beacon-fitted vehicles are often used for personal travel.
GK Arora, via email
II
There have been several instances wherein traffic jams, caused due to the passage of VIP convoys, have resulted in deaths of patients as ambulances couldn’t make it to the hospital on time. I feel ambulances should not be made to follow traffic restrictions as any delay in responding to medical emergencies is a matter of life and death. It is sad that VIP convoys have become a matter of routine. Beacon-fitted vehicles are often used for personal travel.
GK Arora, via email
Nothing to fear from FDI in retail
This refers to Indrajit Hazra’s article Drop till you shop (Red Herring, December 9). The writer has aptly allayed the apprehensions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail. New ideas often face resistance. The entry of computers too was met with some apprehensions. But today, Bangalore is called India’s Silicon Valley. As far as FDI is concerned, it will give the Indian shopper more variety, competitive pricing and benefit farmers who often suffer at the hands of middlemen.
Somesh Jha, via email
Gujral was a rarity in politics
This refers to Karan Thapar’s article He spoke his mind (Sunday Sentiments, December 9). With the passing away of former prime minister IK Gujral, the nation has lost a politician who with extraordinary abilities earned the distinction of being the architect of the peace process with Pakistan. His contribution to nation-building will always be remembered. It would not be an exaggeration to say that men like Gujral are rare in politics.
Rajan Kalia, via email
A reading brake on the road
With reference to Manas Chakra-varty’s article A sign of the times (Loose Canon, December 9), no doubt quirky and funny road signs make a journey all the more interesting. Signs like ‘Judge before you budge’ and ‘Better be Mr Late and than Late Mr’ not only make for fun reading but also inspire people on the wheel to be cautious while driving.
SC Vaid, via email
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