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Every day that Rajesh Kumar hops on a bus, he knows he is taking a chance. "I've not had any problems and I'm just hoping nothing will happen," the computer technology student said as he waited to catch a bus home from college.
In Delhi, something as simple as using public transport can be a deadly endeavour.
The city's private bus operator, Blueline, has come under fire over the soaring numbers of people killed, maimed or injured beneath the wheels of buses. This year, 97 people have been killed.
Fatalities have become so common that Delhi's senior court has stepped in and ordered the city government to come up with a plan to improve the way the buses are run and find a safer alternative. The court demanded action after Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi, said she would "rather walk than board a Blueline bus".
Blueline buses were introduced in the 1990s to supplement the overburdened fleet run by the city. They are operated by more than 3000 individuals battling for the most lucrative routes. There are widespread allegations of intimidation and corruption and claims that little has been done to improve safety because some buses are owned by politicians and senior officials.
Last weekend, a mob of up to 3000 people set fire to a Blueline vehicle after it mowed down a crowd of people in south Delhi, killing seven and injuring dozens. The driver tried to escape but was captured by the crowd and almost beaten to death.
Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the rioters, rescue the driver and take him into custody. Apparently the brakes were faulty.
Delhi, with its chaotic, clogged streets becoming increasingly filled with cars, has one of the worst road accident death rates in the world.
But the People's Action campaign group believes simple steps such as better trained drivers and automatic doors to keep passengers from falling off could help cut risks.
- Independent
