“Sack the Transport Minister”, says 25-year-old Reece Fallaize, a British national and a participant in Rickshaw Challenge-Mumbai Xpress 2011, who reached Bangalore on Wednesday.
“Why are Bangalore roads so bad? And is there any traffic management?” questions Mr. Fallaize, a financial service provider by profession. “We have to pay heavy penalty for violation of traffic rules. Vehicle users in India are free to violate road rules,” he says and adds that traffic in Bangalore city is terrible and traffic management the worst.
Mr. Fallaize is a part of the team that is on a 14-day adventure rally covering 2,000 km from Mumbai to Chennai to raise funds for various projects of Round Table India for the benefit of underprivileged children.
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Members, some in colourful attire, who reached Bangalore in decorated autorickshaws, shared their experiences with the media. The 31-member team left Mumbai on July 30, and travelled via Alibag, Pune, Mahabaleshwar, Ratnagiri, Panaji, Murudeshwar, Mangalore and Mysore before reaching Bangalore.
The event, which will conclude on August 12 at Chennai, has participation from seven countries — Australia, Spain, New Zealand, the U.K, Chile, Canada and Ireland, and participants are in the age group of 25 to 72 years.
Why autorickshaw has been chosen for rally? Because, it is an Indian invented vehicle other than bullock cart, says Arvind of Chennai Event Management Services, the organisers of the event.
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He suggests Indians could use autorickshaw as mode of transport instead of cars as it is cheaper. The best two participants will get free entry into the 6,000-km race — Caucasian Challenge — across 11 countries in Europe.
Carolyn (28) from Australia was enthralled with the encouragement by Indians for the rally. “We met villagers, fishermen and students and interacted with them. It's wonderful experience”.