Samir Madan wrote a mail on Yahoo group of Delhi Metro. Since I am a member of the group and have access to the mails, I would like to share his mail in my column. He has raised very pertinent points.

He writes, “It is indeed disappointing to note that all of Delhi's focus on improving transport is focused largely on creation / addition of new resources. More buses, dedicated high-speed high capacity corridors, new bus routes, new flyovers, etc.

“The Metro, of course, is an exception to this rule. Better design of existing roads (read, slips roads, etc. ) grade separator flyovers for busy intersections, too, are an exception.

“But the one point that nobody wants to talk about, certainly not the government officials is better enforcement of existing traffic rules. Better-behaved and better-managed traffic might be akin to having 50% extra road capacity. Better enforcement of vehicle emission standards might reduce emissions by 30-40%, given how poorly maintained so many vehicles are?

“Of course, these are unglamorous and there are no kickbacks involved. So the Delhi authorities don't talk about it.

“Without this, CNG benefits are offset by ill-maintained diesel Sumos and Qualises; new flyovers are offset by killer bus drivers on the rampage, only to get arrested, let off and get another license from the neighbouring states. As also drivers who jump red lights, get fined, the same amount, no matter how many times they jump the signal.

“All over the developed world, traffic can get quite heavy and slow during peak commute hours, but never as dangerous and never AS STRESSFUL as Delhi, because of better enforcement. Trust me, if the cops go off the roads of America, all discipline will go out the windows. It's only the fear of punishment that keeps a large percentage of the drivers in check.

This should be the largest area of transport reform in Delhi, but unfortunately it's not, and is rarely a talking point in newspapers or even excellent forums like this one.

“That said, Mass Transit is very good for Indian cities for these reasons - abject failure of enforcement agencies. Of course, it still has to be run well, like the Delhi Metro is.”

I just hope the authorities take a note of it.