On the streets of Mumbai, “Ok Honk Please” is inscribed on the back of most trucks carrying goods. The traffic here is mad. There are no lane markings on many major roads—travelling 5 cars abreast? If there’s space, why not? Where space allows, U-turns are made; trying to make a turn but you’re on the wrong lane? Just stop the car in the middle of the road and wait for the turn opportunity to arise. If the street’s jammed up, why not drive on the free lane that’s meant for cars coming in the opposite direction?
The amazing thing to observe on Mumbai roads is the order within the very chaotic chaos. No one gets mad, everyone knows exactly what the other drivers are doing. Predictability and quick reflexes govern the situation. The incessant honking is in fact a friendly message to other drivers—I’m coming right by you on the left now, don’t change lanes now buddy. The honk and the sound-distance relations help drivers communicate in ways that indicator lights or a quick flash of headlights cannot.
Above is a shot which I really like. The lunch delivery man was on his way to an office block to deliver some meals. Our friendly and terrific driver Sanjay managed to catch up with him for us to snap this shot.
