Limiting speed for BEST buses a good idea

Limiting speed for BEST buses a good idea
This has reference to ‘BEST puts brakes on speeding buses’. The decision of the BEST management to install speed governors limiting the speed to 40kmph and 60kmph for double-decker and normal buses respectively is a good one, especially after the recent spate of accidents involving them. That, along with better training for their drivers, better maintenance of the fleet and swifter action against drivers who violate the rules should improve the safety record of the BEST which not very long ago was one of the best in the country. In fact, a lot more needs to be done to improve overall road safety in Mumbai. There should be a stricter procedure for granting driving licences. Infringement of traffic rules should invite licence suspension with a retest, and, if necessary, re-training at the drivers’ expense. Three infringements should result in cancellation of the licence. Unless extreme measures are adopted for all without prejudice or favouritism, the move to attach speed governors will be only a token one.
— Suren Abreu, Mumbai

II
It would be wrong to put the entire blame on BEST buses for accidents. While the speed limit for the buses is a welcome step, no one can deny the fact that the condition of Mumbai roads is also responsible for the rough rides and mishaps. Since monsoon is around the corner, the BMC would do well to repair the pot-holed roads.
—Kirit Desai, Mumbai

III
With speed being the essence of modern-day living, isn’t it anachronistic to impose speed limit on transport vehicles? By the way, can a vehicle run at 60kmph in the city? Remember, it was to help vehicles move at a faster pace that speed breakers which dotted the city streets were removed a few years ago. And, speed is only one of the factors in road accidents. With the monsoon only a month away, thousands of potholes will soon come up on the streets. These potholes can effectively restrict the speed of motor vehicles. Transport authorities should only request the civic body not to fill potholes this monsoon. This way, loads of taxpayers’ money, which is being liberally buried in potholes, can be saved.
—KP Rajan, Mumbai

Is this an analysis?
I fail to comprehend why your newspaper persists in publishing Francois Gautier’s rants in the guise of analysis, insulting the intelligence of the readers. What is the depth of analysis offered by his rant on the government in Tuesday’s edition? It seems like a sum of uninformed Delhi cocktail party talk that the author has compiled and sent to DNA. Do give your readers daily analysis crucifying the government, but please come up with better arguments than this.
—Amal L, via e-mail

Amicus curiae on Modi
Your nation edit ‘Forget Modi, think victims’ (May 8) is a commendable commentary on the report of the amicus curiae, Raju Ramachandran, a lawyer chosen by the apex court to give his opinion on the contentious issue. Whether it is more acceptably good or just another view not binding on anyone will be decided, ironically, by the Special Investigating Team that has cleared Narendra Modi of all culpability. Whatever be the outcome, “in all this short-sighted sniping”, the need to reach justice speedily to the victims is conveniently forgotten and the likely impact on the prime ministerial prospects of the chief minister is the only one that has been blown out of proportion. As you have rightly pointed out, Modi is just one player in the whole sordid drama and it’s more important to see that the victims are not denied justice anymore by the trials that have dragged on for far too long.
—V Subramanyan, Mumbai

Man of the moment
This has reference to ‘Pranab brings smile back on some faces’ (May 8). Looks like Pranab Mukherjee is trying his level best to top the contenders’ chart for the post of president. The revisions made by him are a step ahead in the same direction. However, they should be appreciated. These measures will give some relief to the jewellers. They are already facing loses due to the weakening of rupee against dollar, which makes imports expensive. The excise duty would just have made the condition worse for them. But thanks to Pranabda who made revisions in various sections of the finance bill, thereby giving relief to foreign institutional investors, jewellers and customs and excise duty violators. But as far as the presidential post is concerned, APJ Abdul Kalam is a much better choice. Congress should give it a thought again.
— Divya Bhurat, Mumbai

Palande kin cop
This has reference to ‘Palande kin cop may get the boot’ (May 8). The media has been taking pains to report the minute details of Palande and his associate Shinde. The killers have made a mockery of law by jumping parole, changing names and obtaining passports etc. A cop who is related to Palande too has hoodwinked the court in seeking bail. I feel all the accused, including the cops who assisted the murderer(s) to escape, should not be allowed to cover their faces so that if they chose to repeat their vanishing act, they can be traced by the public.   
— Deepak Chikramane, Mumbai

Leave Barua alone
Apropos of ‘No law to stop an adult from changing sex, so Barua can: HC’ (May 8), one really fails to understand the attitude of Barua’s parents. Is he not of a major, grown up enough to vote? Why can’t he be left alone to decide for himself? Do they want him to lead the life of a transvestite as such people are generally called? Would that not be degrading to them and their son? And how is he supposed to be making his living, when left as he is? In fact, by his plans to marry a flight lieutenant post-operation, he seems to have solved his problem on his own, and this should be applauded.
—Suresh Purohit