Recently, the Delhi government released its statistical handbook and according to it in Delhi there are 42,36,675 registered vehicles in 2003-2004. According to it there were 39,70,870 registered vehicles in 2002-03. Which means 2,65,805 vehicles were added in 365 days and on an average 728 vehicles are added every day. I think I am in a wrong business. Should have been an automobile dealer.

Anyways, let’s get down to business now. I received a mail from Harsh Baluja. He is a resident of New Moti Nagar and is facing traffic problems. Actually one of the most harassed lot are residents of Moti nagar area, as due to the Metro construction, they are facing lot of problems.

He writes, “I am residing in New Moti Nagar area of West Delhi and would like to draw your kind attention to the increasing traffic congestion and vehicular movement in this residential area caused by auto dealers and outside vehicles.

“Around 2-3 years back, this auto market was active only on the main road & around Milan Cinema and Karam Pura Commercial Complex. Now they have started encroaching into residential blocks and almost all entry points are blocked by them.

“The worst part is, they are also doing maintenance, test-drive, denting, painting & spray work, which is not only causing air pollution but also may lead to various health hazards. Every time they are marching into the residential area making noise pollution & spreading smoke. These residential houses are now being converted into Auto Showrooms & Maintenance Centres, thus, parking their commercial vehicles on main passage & in front of houses, causing road block & traffic congestion.

“The outside vehicles are also using now colony roads for reaching Karam Pura Commercial Complex instead of main passage road, which is resulting into massive traffic jams, earlier all vehicles were taking the road adjacent to Fire Brigade & HIL Colony.

“To curb this traffic mess, I take this liberty to suggest following steps:
1. Restrict entry of outside vehicles by placing barriers & gates at all entry points.
2. Restrict auto dealers & auto service centres, not to use colony roads for any kind of repair, maintenance & test drive of autos.
3. Allow only one entry point for vehicles going to commercial complex through Milan Cinema road.”

I think the suggestions are good and can be easily implemented. These roadside automobile mechanics inside colonies are a real menace. I have forwarded the suggestions to the concerned authority. I hope they implement it soon.