An Image of the Traffic In Kolkata

An Image of the Traffic in Kolkata “Be careful, look out, swerve to the right, you’ll hit the oncoming bus, Go slow, a rickshaw is in the way, don’t speed, there’s a frantic rush! Honk, honk! A man is crossing chatting merrily on his mobile phone; He is insured; he doesn’t care losing a tooth or fracturing a bone!!” “Look out”! We all shout, a speeding auto comes crashing head on, Traffic ahead is stalled for Chief Minister’s visit from early morn. The Up road is blocked; a procession is on its way for Victory Day. Streets are choked by raucous hawkers cheekily obstructing the way. The heritage trams, the rickety trains, the daring cyclists go past too, The vehicles, the prized museum pieces invariably come into view. Hear Cars sputter or else stutter, some dilapidated, a few brand new. Don’t be surprised if you see a mangy dog or a monkey from the zoo! It’s the daunting traffic in Kolkata, is what we may term “unique”. To drive here, I warn you, one must know the skillful PC Sorcar trick! After the relentless mental shelling, soothing music one must turn on, Stay unruffled amidst the cacophony, then your battle is surely won! Brita Roy 8/D1 Loch Tower