The highwayman

The full 135.65-km stretch of the KMP (Kundli-Manesar-Palwal) Expressway has been opened to public use after an almost decade-long delay marked by land acquisition bottlenecks and the attendant cost raise. Along with the eastern KGP (Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal) Expressway, this road along Delhi’s western border now completes the loop encircling the Capital. At last, Delhi can hope to breathe easy this winter. Together, the two expressways are expected to ease traffic pressure of 50,000 heavy vehicles and, thus, considerably reduce vehicular pollution in the Capital. Traffic from northern India headed to western and southern parts of the country will now be diverted to the KMP e-way. 

However, while decongestion of Delhi is important, it is definitely not warranted at the cost of safety. It remains to be seen if undue haste has been shown in the inauguration of the Kundli-Manesar section on Monday. In the light of our appallingly high rate of accidents due to utter disregard for traffic rules as also inadequate understanding of road signages, the fears of some Congressmen cannot be bypassed as mere politicking. The ‘smart’ eastern peripheral loop which was inaugurated in June, for example, can be a nightmare for truck drivers as they try to figure out the paths in the absence of signs and traffic policemen. Patrolmen, ambulances and cranes stationed every 20 km on the high-speed highway can only help after the basic safety standards are in place. 

Even educated commuters following the signs will take a few trips to make optimal use of the road as they negotiate umpteen exits/entries, bridges, railway overbridges, underpasses, pedestrian crossings, intersections and toll plazas. Once that is mastered, the highwayman would have world class experience as he zips through, taking full advantage of the refilling stations, parking lots, refreshment centres and recreational facilities dotting the six-lane e-way. Given the increasing rate of vehicles on the road, perhaps, that's the only positive outcome of the delay: initially, the expressway was to be four-laned. Now, we need to learn and strictly abide by traffic rules for a smooth and smart ride.