[Garipagol]

Thought of putting dowon a few one liners typifying driving experience in our beloved city:

You know you are in Calcutta if :

You see the garbage trucks hogging the right lane at 9.00 AM on busy roads.

The bus stop is right at the junction of a busy crossing.

The curb sweeper truck gets busy on the bypass at 8.30 am on a business day when you are rushing to the airport.

The autos have “Obey traffic rules” stenciled on their back telling the world what other road users should do.

You see people flagging down buses anywhere on the road as if they were taxis.

Everyone from the peon up in the administration has a red light on top of their white ambassador giving them a license to flout traffic rules with abandon.

You are stopped at a red light for 30 mins and then you hear the siren of the pilot van rushing the political leader home in the opposite direction.

The traffic policeman helps you to park your car in a no parking zone and is back for the parking fee when you get ready to pull out.

You smell a strange perfume as you get into your car and the likelyhood of your driver using your car as a private taxi looms large.

The accrued NCB determines the right of way.

[mooza]

Hi Garipagol (does this mean Gadi pagal , lovely name there!)

I stayed in Kolkata till 1974. How is the situation near Ghariahat area now? Used to be chaotic even during those days. I see a flyover there now, in google map!

I stayed at Keyotala lane. Cheers!

[GTO]

Here's another one : Every car on the road is an Ambassador , and they drive awfully close to each other.

Atleast, that's how it was over my last visit (couple of years back).

Originally Posted by Garipagol

The accrued NCB determines the right of way.

Classic!

[shuvc]

If:
Simple small flyovers take 3 years to build adding to the chaos they were meant to ease.


OT:
Congratulations sir, on upgrading to the new E

[Sawyer]

If you get the best rosagollas in the world in most parts of the city, and to eat them warm and freshly made...and kati rolls at nizams, though I am not sure if they are as good as they used to be.
Makes up for all the traffic traumas!

[VTEC_Rocks]

When all the food is sweet and you crave to eat something spicy

[thirst4torque]

Continous honking!!! I have never encountered such insane honking in any other city!

[johy]

Originally Posted by Garipagol

You are stopped at a red light for 30 mins and then you hear the siren of the pilot van rushing the political leader home in the opposite direction.

You couldn't have put it better.

Originally Posted by thirst4torque

Continous honking!!! I have never encountered such insane honking in any other city!

Actually here in the driving schools in Siliguri (and I gather it is similar in other parts of WB), you are instructed to honk your way in and out of traffic!!)

[Chipz]

You see the fish fry staring back at you. (heard they dont remove the fish's eyes, not sure)

[alpha1]

Well, except Bombay (because of more traffic discipline) and Delhi (because of really wide roads) - the scene is same anywhere in India.

[Proxima]

Originally Posted by alpha1

Well, except Bombay (because of more traffic discipline) and Delhi (because of really wide roads) - the scene is same anywhere in India.

Bombay and traffic discipline?

Very nice thread. I can add a couple more

• Every street has a sweet shop!
• People adore Dada come what may!

[sachinj12]

I thought Bangalore was bad.


OT: Which city has the worst traffic sense? After reading this, I think Kolkatta is a strong contender.

[intoxicangel]

- bus drivers drive buses like auto walas drive autos in Blore... they don't consider the buses to be big..
- your taxi has a really detuned old haggard horn
- your taxi driver tells you every small lane is a shortcut to get to where you want to
- you pay Rs 1000/- for what they call a super delux room around Park Street for a pigeon hole
- you go clubbing and you see more bong aunties than women (lolz)
- anyone you meet related to work say "ho jayega"

[samish_g]

Originally Posted by sachinj12

I thought Bangalore was bad.


OT: Which city has the worst traffic sense? After reading this, I think Kolkatta is a strong contender.

The Southern part of Kolkata has improved considerably. However, the stretch connecting Central to the northern part is still bad.
IMHO, Bangalore traffic is worse than Kolkata. One should check the Nayandahalli junction at around 7 PM daily. Also check the Marathahalli area during peak hours.

[Sheel]

@johy--was in Siliguri last monday and was surprised to see, once beautiful town had become so chaotic

Originally Posted by johy

Actually here in the driving schools in Siliguri (and I gather it is similar in other parts of WB), you are instructed to honk your way in and out of traffic!!)

Calcutta's traffic makes me go mad even on two wheels,I remember i had bought my brand new HH Karizma-R from P.A Shah Road and in the next intersection i saved myself from the yellow cabbie by a hair's breadth, the cabbies get my goat everytime i tell you
1. stand in queue even if you have to breath

In India people honk to get doors opened, for attention and what not