BULLOCK CARTS; MAN CARRYING BUNDLE ON HEAD; MAN DRIVING CART; RICKSHAW; MOTOR CYCLE; SCOOTER TAXI; BUSES. (NATSOF)




Initials AB/V/CCT/MH



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Background: DESPITE THE INROADS MADE BY MODERN METHODS OF TRANSPORT THE OLD CITY OF DELHI -- NORTHERN INDIA'S LARGEST DISTRIBUTION CENTRE -- STILL CLINGS TO MORE TRADITIONAL MEANS OF MOVING MEN AND GOODS AROUND.

WITH STREETS THAT ARE TOO NARROW TO ALLOW BUSES AND LORRIES THROUGH, AND A BUS SERVICE THAT IS INADEQUATE FOR THE CITY'S NEED ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF TRANSPORT ARE VITAL.

SO, THE STREETS ARE THRONGED WITH BULLOCK CARTS, RICKSHAWS AND "JHALLI WALLAHS" CARRYING BUNDLES ON THEIR HEADS, AND BICYCLES. DELHI IS REPUTED TO HAVE MORE BICYCLES THAN ANY OTHER CITY IN ASIA. IN THE CIVIL SERVICE THEY ARE ALMOST A TOKEN OF OFFICE SINCE MOST GOVERNMENT WORKERS RIDE THEM TO THEIR OFFICES.

THERE ARE FEW TAXIS. IN THEIR PLACE THE CITIZENS USE HORSE-DRAWN TONGAS WHICH CARRY FOUR PASSENGERS. NOW A MECHANICAL VERSION OF THE OLD, LEG-DRIVEN RICKSHAW IS BEGINNING TO APPEAR ON THE STREETS. IT IS A CONVERTED SCOOTER. A LARGER VERSION, POWERED BY A HEAVY MOTOR CYCLE, IS GRADUALLY TAKING OVER FROM THE HORSE FOR DRAWING THE TONGA.