The Road Becomes a Rodeo | In On The Act

For the drivers on the road of Kathmandu when traffic lights turn red; it means 'maybe you can go', when it turns green, it means 'of course you can go' and when it turns yellow, it means 'does such a thing even exist?' Perhaps our diversity compels us to read the universal road rules differently.

The drivers of public transport, especially micro-buses and tempos, are such kind hearted saints that they cannot bear to see passengers standing on the road. Actually, I call them the Santa Clauses of the road. The minute they see a single soul, the need to serve pressures them and the other vehicles, right, left, back, front, are of no importance. Therefore the drivers who choose to ride behind them really require powerful brakes to avoid crashing into Santa's sleigh. This isn't an individual trait but a culture. Long live micro-bus and tempos.

Let me introduce, the other 'Chhota Rajan' of our roads, the taxi drivers. They have to overtake any moving object by hook or crook. It's the world versus the taxis. Dare you confuse them on their path with your vehicle and you will have to deal with stares and at times few verbal slurs. Though present for public service, you must make sure that you are covering a relatively long distance before you approach them; or else! This too isn't about one single angry young man, but the entire taxi community. God save them!

Amid this, there are gentlemen who buy sleek vehicle matching their taste and status but forgetting the road culture of Kathmandu. These gentlemen are always driving within their track, and you have to see their faces during traffic jams. They resemble a scared child in the dentist clinic; helpless and hopeless, with beads of perspiration on their forehead. This minority community should fight for their rights. Pray to thee, he who buys big posh vehicle.

Defining their own moments on the roads are the cyclists and the bikers. I like the free spirited attitude of the happy, carefree cyclists who aren't disturbed, even by the traffic lights. The confusion they create makes other drivers scared of causing an accident. I cheer for these guys through my clenched teeth.

We need to give a standing ovation for the bikers. They easily navigate through the maze of a traffic jam. Zig- zag, zoom, and they are already on the other side of the tunnel. Beautiful performance for them but for others they are like mosquitoes buzzing in your ear. Hail, to the comrades!

This freewill approach reflects the absence of rules and regulations in the Nepali society. We achieved individuality and along with it created chaos which makes me say our roads are like a rodeo show.