Increased competition in domestic
skies led to a price war, which, instead of hurting
the bottom lines, brought in tremendous growth in
traffic, logging as much as 50,000 passengers in
a single day, a record of sorts. Moreover, on many
sectors frequency of service has increased manifold.
Foreign routes have also been opened up for private
domestic carriers. More such initiatives are in
the anvil. Major airports are now under the scanner,
with enlargement of services and privatisation of
facilities. In the first phase, airports at Delhi
and Mumbai are being considered. The government
has I also proposed to upgrade 15 other airports
in smaller cities. At least two new domestic airlines
are billed to commerce operations in early I 2005.
Railways, too, facing stiff competition from airlines
is looking at improvements.
Other areas of infrastructure are also being improved.
Roads in most states are in focus. Mumbai-Pune freeway
became a showpiece for others to emulate. Many national
highways are being widened to 4-lane, or even 6-lane,
speedways. This has reduced travelling time and
stress on the roads. Again, a highway traveller
has much better options for R&R on the journey,
with spacious parking, hygienic fcod, clean toilets,
and even good shopping and entertainment.
Traveling in your own car has become a very attractive
option in India. Buying a car is no longer a tedious
process and make and model is as good as anywhere
else in the there are now a number of agencies,
especially in I larger cities, dealing in used cars
on spot cash basis. f using this option it will
be best to familiarise yours conditions in India
and take proper precautions for safety. It is best
to avoid driving after dark.
Telecommunications and IT are some other fields'
Where India has taken great strides. Telephone land
line-network has I the remotest parts ofthe country.
And mobile communication is also available in all
states, though the penetration may be restricted.
Internet access, too, is r many smaller towns and
villages !! Therefore, keeping in touch is no longer
a headache.
