Transport Options in Delhi

Delhi is a driver’s city, and most people who can afford to have cars, do so. However, driving around New Delhi can be a challenge and is not recommended for outsiders. Most ex-pats will find Indian roads overwhelmingly cluttered with cars, buses, tractors, motorbikes, cycles, autorickshaws, vans, people, cows, monkeys, dogs, and other animals. Seriously. Finding parking can also be difficult. Most ex-pats who buy cars also hire drivers.With satellite cities like Gurgaon and Noida becoming office hubs, commuting distances, on an average per person, have increased—some people travel as much as 50-60 km every day. As a result, some companies that operate around-the-clock, provide a shared cab/bus service for employees, sometimes for a small fee.

Public transport in Delhi includes buses, metro, autorickshaws (a three-wheeler ‘tuk-tuk’ type of vehicle) and taxis. Buses are overcrowded and often lack air-conditioning and few ex-pats use them. Riding in the Delhi Metro (part tram/part underground train) is a bit more civilized an experience, although this too can get crowded and uncomfortable. Fortunately, for women, there’s a “ladies car” strictly for women and accompanying children. This compartment (usually at the front of the train) smells much nicer than the sweaty mixed compartment, where groping is quite common.

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