A debate on the better and not so good aspects of Delhi and Mumbai is a rivalry as old as time itself. Recently, I chanced upon a series of posts, not nearly bringing out the better points of each city as much as trashing the other. I was quite surprised to see the emotions running so high on either side, including some pretty spicy गाली गलौच.
Bombay has a great work environment and people are very professional. Its indeed a great place to work, but as I said I live and work in SoBo so my view may be coloured as any true blue SoBoite regards anything beyond Bandra as another town. The cosmopolitan culture of South Bombay cannot be found anywhere in India, certainly the energy of this city can't be seen elsewhere.
However beyond Bandra and Chembur is another matter. Navi Mumbai is in fact a different country and has very little connection with the Bombay that I know. Believe me I am not unique in this view. Traffic in Andheri and beyond is lawless, going to Powai is a pain as there is none of the ordered traffic one sees this side. Driving in Vashi is a nightmare as the roads are so choked with arrogant autos, careless bikers, barely literate SUV and heavy vehicle drivers trying to show who’s the boss and who's the भाई. The beautiful Palm Beach road sees frequent accidents due to the high speeds and lack of traffic sense. I don't know how many of you have seen the port areas.
I was transferred to Delhi in ‘95 from Bombay and we drove down in our trusty old Maruti 800 with suitcases on the roof rack. Yes it was a culture shock and I was nervous driving as everyone seemed to be overtaking from every direction. But gradually I began to like the place and the five years that we spent there were wonderful in all respects. My wife worked in two different places and yes while one had to be careful it wasn’t as though there were people waiting to attack her the moment she stepped out of the house. We worked out a system and followed it carefully to our advantage. In 2000, I returned to Bombay, now Mumbai.
I still travel frequently to Delhi and I am amazed at the positive changes there. For one, the traffic has become a lot more disciplined. I think the Delhi Police is to be complemented for this. They are far stricter on traffic violations there, than in Mumbai.
Secondly, the Delhi Govt introduced some sweeping changes - introduction of CNG compulsorily for autos and buses (before anywhere else) brushing aside any objections has made the air more breathable (lately I believe it has slipped back to being the most polluted city) - construction of a series of flyovers on the ring road and outer ring road is another. The good thing is that they finished these projects in a finite amount of time. And no, the Central Govt didn’t hand it to them on a platter. Like in every other government procedure, the Delhi Govt made a bid for it justified the expense and followed it up dealing with audit queries along the way. No doubt the Central Govt being located there, helps in following up cases.
On the other hand, I am appalled at the deterioration in Mumbai. The cops don’t seem to be able to control traffic any longer. Its usual to see motorists jumping red lights and halting in the middle of the road, instead of at the zebra crossings. Law and order in the suburbs is bad. If women think they are safe there walking at night, think again. They are no longer safe in the local trains either, where once everybody helped everyone else.
Yes one does feel a little more free in Mumbai and we still go out regularly for the 11 o’clock show, but only to INOX, the other halls are not worth it.
My son had to take a train every day to Andheri and had to return home at odd hours depending on his shift. We were tensed whenever he had a late shift and I would invariably drive to Churchgate to pick him up, because even SoBo has its share of druggies, goondas and other weirdos who will not hesitate to attack a lone person for a few rupees or a cell phone. I absolutely forbade him from leaving his hotel near the Int Airport after 12 or so at night for neither were autos easily available, nor was any sane person on the road at that time.
Mumbai however has a great work ethic and is an excellent place to work. The kind of professionalism one sees here, is difficult to find elsewhere. That is not to say anything against Delhi's work culture, for there are equally committed and dedicated professionals there too. However, there are more obstacles to achieving better quality work output. And one cannot deny that the sight of peons and junior staff basking in the sun on the lawns of India gate during the winter months is completely off-putting. However the enterprise and energy of Delhi's traders, craftspersons, skilled workers and shopkeepers is to be seen to be believed. Shopping in the markets is a delight and the street food is something to die for.
So while I continue to enjoy and take pride in this great city, the kind of politicians we have in this state, completely distresses me. We can’t seem to get our projects completed, the metro is taking forever, our roads are pathetic and people are only getting choked. We have to stop trashing immigrants and pretending that we are the step children of the Govt of India, when our own Chavans and Deshmukhs are buffoons. Don’t blame Biharis and UPites for taking over jobs when our own Shindes and Kambles don’t want to work. Any local taxi operator will tell you that he employs the so called bhaiyas as the local men don’t work as hard, want higher pay, more holidays and are hopelessly unreliable. Fortunately, the local women are the complete opposites of their menfolk and are extremely hardworking and honest.
So lets not be judgemental when considering the two cities. To people of both cities, I say that you live there with an open mind, and very soon the place grows on you. You’ll enjoy the experience. Have a nice day.
