Lack of access leaves mediapersons worried

The Main Press Centre is one of the most impressive facilities here. What would have made it more impressive was if the other facilities in the MPC had matched it. Unfortunately, it isn't so.

The Main Press Centre (MPC) is one of the most impressive facilities here. What would have made it more impressive was if the other facilities in the MPC had matched it. Unfortunately, it isn't so.

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The worst affected area is transportation. In mega events, it is the most integral part of the MPC and helps in facilitating the smooth coverage of the Games. It helps to save time as buses travel in a dedicated lane.

Beijing had an effective transportation in place for media during the 2008 Olympics, so did Melbourne at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. But here, the facility will be functional only from Monday, the day when competition starts. Unlike in other Games, even the practice venues are inaccessible to the media.

For instance, a group of around 10 media personnel on Saturday went to attend a boxing training session in Talkatora Stadium at 4pm from the MPC. What should have been a smooth ride took almost two hours. They were taken to the stadium and learnt later that the practice was on in Chhatrasal Stadium in North Delhi. When the group reached the venue, it wasn't allowed in.

Manjushree Roy, deputy director general of Press Operations, said: “Things will fall into place.” She also said that allowing journalists to visit practice venues was the prerogative of the Associations. “If the country doesn't want you, you can't go,” she said.