First, the Delhi Metro transformed life for lakhs of commuters by linking areas across the Capital. Then it spread into U.P., bringing air-conditioned comfort to hassled office and college-goers of Noida. And now, its intrepid advance leads it into Haryana's part of the NCR, Gurgaon. Unlike Mumbai or Kolkata where people are used to travelling in public transport, those in the NCR — especially in Gurgaon and the well heeled neighbourhoods of South Delhi towards which the Metro is still inching its way — have largely relied on private transport like self owned cars. Would they be comfortable with the culture shift of travelling in public transport?
Baljeet Judge, a consultant, feels since most people routinely travel only between workplace and home, a public transport system suits them. “Metro also guarantees they can say goodbye to parking blues,” he adds.
Gautam Sen Chaudhuri, a long time resident of CR Park, says, “In Delhi there are the nouveau riche . These people would still like to flaunt their newly acquired cars.”
Varun Khanna, a Vice President in an MNC bank, feels this can be addressed (and Metro usage boosted) “by having a 1st class bogie in a Metro train.”
The hassles of the system, such as crowded trains — do these cancel out the benefits of avoiding heavy traffic? Reasons Shankh Banerjee, an engineer, “Heavy traffic on roads and a crowd inside a compartment are not the same. At least the uncertainty of life is absent to a fairer extent inside a Metro compartment. With gradual increase of rakes, Metro would ultimately outweigh heavy traffic.” “Even if the Metro is crowded, the AC makes you immune to the sweltering heat and traffic snarls outside,” points out Baljeet. “However, fear of being crowded or pick-pocketed might act as a deterrent,” is Ruchi's take. Gurgaon is so spread out that many people may still need to take an autorickshaw from the station to their offices. Observes Sen Chaudhuri, “Metro would be beneficial to people living in outer reaches of Greater Delhi. But the managerial cadre, those who have longer work schedule or have to frequent several places (within Gurgaon) for their work, will still prefer to use their own car.”
Banerjee feels, “It is a strategically located satellite township in NCR. Metro can only add its worth to the charm of this city of malls. Over time, my take is, public transport and Metro Feeder Services would take care of the above factor.”
But once you add the supplementary cost of an autorickshaw from the station to the final destination, the Metro stops looking like such a cost saving option.
“The supplementary costs are an additional disincentive for people at the lowest income segments,” Baljeet avers. Ruchi agrees, says, “Metro definitely does not save money. However it does save time and avoids the hassle of driving /parking.”
Varun remarks, “I think this issue will not come up at the origination point where people can drive their own vehicle to the station from home.” “It all depends upon easily accessible and inexpensive parking space with reasonable rates, and availability of cheap modes of connectivity for the user to his final destination,” points out Sen Chaudhuri. Geographically, who would be served best? Says Sen Chaudhuri, “Commuters living in outer Delhi and other satellite towns of Delhi would benefit from the usage of the Metro, especially with the rising fuel costs.” “Gurgaon to Noida,” Banerjee is quick. “Currently Noida to Delhi, as one does not need to change lane,” is Ruchi's opinion.
Baljeet differs sharply. “Noida to Delhi will be least benefitted since public transport has been robust. Gurgaon stands to benefit the most.”
And so they keep discussing and debating about Delhi Metro... as passionately as we would about an attractive neighbour that has recently moved into the colony.
But we all learn to live happily with her.
