DRIVE OUT BARANTI, PURULIA 2021 August

AUTOVENTURING GUIDE AROUND THE CITY kolkataonwheels.com

Uncommon44 Traffic Laws Motorists must know

B E W A R E CAR LAUNCH PAST PERFECT Vertical Barriers Skoda Kushaq Baro Mandir Ghat Elusive vision Compact on size A must-visit

EDITORIAL

ith regard to the recent digitization of regulations are tricky and need to be WKolkata on WHEELS, our subscription communicated and brought to the purview team is excited to share that most of our of the motorists before they fall prey. In subscribers seem to have readily accepted the this issue, we have shared four unusual transformation from print to the digital rules that a motorist rarely knows about format. They have been eagerly renewing and yet needs to adhere to. their subscriptions. It’s such a pleasure to In the series, Ghats of Kolkata, as we were realise that over the last thirteen years, the wrapping up, we stumbled upon one that content of our magazine has been winning reignited the charm for penetrating more hearts. The old saying ‘content is king’ is quite of such hidden treasures. Baro Mandir Ghat apt in this regard. Thanks to our editorial team deep inside the narrow lanes of Panihati is that we could easily win over our traditional probably one of the best ghats we have readers who preferred the conventional print come across. It is a fine example of history format to join our digital version. which is fully ‘alive’ and endures to serve as Kolkata on WHEELS magazine has always an intrinsic part of our daily life. generated content to educate a specific Coming up on 26 September is the target group – the motorists. Being a special- WHEELS Annual Meet. It’s that day of the interest publication, producing subjective year which all of us Wheelers look forward content every month for this niche audience to. I invite all life members of our Wheeling has been quite challenging. Yet it has family to participate and revel in the ultimately proven to be a winner by camaraderie. successfully retaining the car-centric audience onboard. In this issue, we deal with a cover story that explains the legal philosophy ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse.’ The motoring law in our SOUVIK GHOSH country is quite vast and elaborate. A few Editor

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 03 INSIDE

06Cover Story 4 Uncommon Traffic Laws 11 Beware Motorists The Elusive must know Vision Get familiar with the lesser- At unmanned road known traffic laws to avoid crossings with getting penalised vertical railings, be careful while driving across the road

Past 13 Perfect Baro Mandir Ghat Welcome to the resplendent Baro Mandir Ghat of Panihati with its twelve Shiva temples – a must-visit

Calcutta Chronicles Do You Know Calcutta's World-Class Pay attention 17 Phenomenon 20 to your Tyres!

Drive Out Baranti 23 Enjoy the bounties of nature at Baranti - a small village in Purulia

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 04 INSIDE

31Nostalgia Crash or Crush Event The demolition derby 36 draws the same kind of Stop exploiting crowd that enjoys boxing and wrestling and good the motorists! cars end up as wrecks Fuel on Fire

37My Trip Dudhwa National Park Hidden gems of Uttar Pradesh

Car Launch SKODA KUSHAQ 41 Ipeccable German build quality along with a premium European badge

Kolkata 45 Canvas Wheelers 46 Forum Get the latest news on events and activities of Kolkata on WHEELS

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 05 HEADLIGHTS

Uncommon44 Traffic Laws Motorists must know Souvik Ghosh

here are lesser-known motoring offences that some T people might not be aware of. Even though these misdemeanours are not frequently caught, there are circumstances where the motorists are penalised for violating these rules. In this issue of Kolkata on WHEELS, get familiar with few such rules.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 06 HEADLIGHTS

Giving li to strangers A motorist may be fined for giving a li to The moment they got in and I started the strangers on the road, whether in distress or not. car, one traffic police officer in a towing vehicle waylaid me and asked me to show Weird but true! him my licence. At first, I thought that The case story of Nitin Nair may be probably I had stopped in a no-parking area. reviewed. We reproduce the Facebook post of Nitin Nair as follows. The police officer then started to write a “Guys this happened to me... please read receipt and asked me to hand over my and be aware. licence to him. I asked him for the reason, to which he said, ‘It is illegal to give a li to My intention of this post is not to criticise unknown people.’ or slam our system, law, judiciary, or police. I'm writing this just to make car owners I thought that he must be just making it up aware of such a law. I'm sure most of them and wanted to make some money from me. like me are unaware of this law. But he was serious. He took my licence and gave me the receipt. He asked me to go to Today I was fined by our country's court of the police station the next day, pay the fine, law just because I helped some people who and get the licence back. To which I agreed. were in need. The next day (Tuesday) I went to the police station to get my licence. There I was informed On Monday morning (18th June 2018) when that I needed to go to court to get the licence I was on my way to the office, I saw a few back as the section under which they were office goers near Airoli Circle desperately charging me is 66/192. Under this section, I looking for a li as it was raining heavily have to go to court and accept that I had made and all public transport was either crowded a mistake in front of a judge, pay the or late. One of them was an elderly (at least fine in court and get my 60+) person and the other two guys were licence back. working for a reputed IT company (I could make out from their Office ID card). I stopped by the side of the road. They said that they wanted to go to Gandhi Nagar. I asked them to get in, as Gandhi Nagar was on my way to the office.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 07 HEADLIGHTS

I consulted one of my lawyer friends to actually carrying any passengers or goods ensure that the police guys were not taking save in accordance with the conditions of a me for a ride. But the lawyer confirmed that permit granted or countersigned by a Indeed we have a law that makes it illegal to Regional or State Transport Authority or give a li to an unknown person in a private any prescribed authority authorising him vehicle. (What a draconian law !!!) the use of the vehicle in that place in the I accepted my fault in front of the judge in manner in which the vehicle is being used. the court room on Friday 22nd June 2018. I was fined Rs. 2000 for giving a li to The logic: There may be two reasons unknown people and using my car as a behind this law. The first reason being, that passenger car. Aer a lot of requests, they a motorist may use his private vehicle as a reduced my fine to Rs. 1500.” taxi and avoid paying taxes applicable for commercial vehicles. The second reason The law: Section 66(1) in The Motor may be attributed to the safety of a Vehicles Act, 1988, states: No owner of a motorist. A motorist may be harmed by an motor vehicle shall use or permit the use of unknown person aer the li. the vehicle as a transport vehicle in any So the next time you are about to give a li public place whether or not such vehicle is to a stranger, think twice. Unauthorised use of someone else's vehicle It is illegal to drive someone else’s car A driver who cannot produce a written without his express consent. An permission of the actual car owner could authorisation from the original car owner is be detained by police for an investigation required to be carried while driving a to find out the actual ownership borrowed car. of the vehicle.

At the time of police interception, in the absence of the car owner inside the car, the driver needs to prove that the car owner has the knowledge of his driving the car and has agreed to let him drive the car.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 08 HEADLIGHTS

Simply put, driving a borrowed car is not he had lawful authority or in the illegal. But to prove that the car has not reasonable belief that the owner would in been stolen, the owner’s authorisation or the circumstances of the case have given permission is essential. It must be obtained his consent if he had been asked thereof. and carried by the driver. The logic: This seemingly unreasonable The law: Section 197(1) of The Motor rule is implemented to reduce car thes. In Vehicles Act, 1988, states that whoever most cases, when a driver fails to show takes and drives away any motor vehicle vehicle ownership, he would most likely say without having either the consent of the that he has borrowed the car. This rule owner thereof or other lawful authority, makes sure that no one can get away with shall be punishable with imprisonment such an excuse. which may extend to three months, or with a fine, which may extend to five hundred Thus, a letter from the original owner rupees, or with both. It is also provided that suitably draed and notarised needs to be no person shall be convicted under this carried inside the car and shown to police section if the Court is satisfied that such whenever asked for. person acted in the reasonable belief that Obstructing the way in a parking lot It is not uncommon in India to see vehicles The law: Section 15 in The Rules of the parking in a disorderly manner in public Road Regulations, 1989, states as follows: parking lots. Some vehicle owners ignore (1) Every driver of a motor vehicle parking the parking lot lines and just leave their on any road shall park in such a way that it vehicles in random spots without does not cause or is not likely to cause considering others’ inconvenience. This danger, obstruction or undue wrongdoing generally creates an inconvenience to other road users. If the undesirable mess and oen causes manner of parking is indicated by inconvenience for other vehicles any signboard or attempting to get in and out of the parking lot. If there is any vehicle that blocks your way in the parking, you can always call the cops.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 09 HEADLIGHTS

markings on the roadside, he shall park his (vi) alongside another parked vehicle; vehicle in such manner and no other. (vii) on roads or at places or roads where (2) A driver of a motor vehicle shall not park there is a continuous white line with or his vehicle: without a broken line; (I) at or near a road crossing, a bend, top (viii) near a bus stop, school or hospital of a hill or a humpbacked bridge; entrance or blocking a traffic sign or (ii) on a foot-path; entrance to a premises or a fire (iii) near a traffic light or pedestrian hydrant; crossing; (ix) on the wrong side of the road; (iv) on a main road or one carrying fast (x) where parking is prohibited; traffic; (xi) away from the edge of the footpath. (v) opposite another parked vehicle or as obstruction to another vehicle;

Blocking an ambulance AAnyone blocking an ambulance with his during agitations and traffic cops during car will now be penalised. road blockades or VIP visits. The amendment is a strong step taken to The law: Under the Motor Vehicles tackle such cases of apathy. (Amendment) Act there will be a Rs 10,000 fine for not giving way to emergency To conclude, let’s uphold the legal vehicles. philosophy ‘ignorance of the law is no The logic: The law is absolutely logical, excuse’ against theactions of thoughtless because patients in critical condition are motorists who argue that they didn’t frequently made to wait inside an know such acts were illegal. ambulance, losing valuable time, for a callous driver not giving away to it.

The law is expected to make roads safer with stringent rules and hey fines for violators. There have been several cases where ambulances were blocked by protestors

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 10 BEWARE The Elusive t unmanned road crossings with vertical Arailings, be careful while driving across Vision the road. Team WHEELS The problem As a motorist, you must have observed that as you approach a median cut through the vertical railings, the vision through the railings becomes slimmer and ultimately gets blocked.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 11 BEWARE

1 2

4 3

In absence of a traffic signal or personnel at Appeal such dead-vision crossing, a blind peep To save live and safely drive, it is imperative onto the other lane carrying high-speed that the traffic engineers and civic traffic poses a high risk. authorities understand and provide a feasible solution to this impending problem With a row of vertical railings on faced by the motorists. horizontal axis, as one approaches the vertical railings, the angle of driver’s Drive defensive vision reduces to zero. Had the railings Motorists be careful! As your vision gets been horizontal instead of vertical, the choked on account of the vertical railings at vision would have been clear. the traffic crossings, your car should crawl Added to the reducing sight is the to peep out onto the other lane and be threat of advertisement display seen by the oncoming vehicles. Wait or boards on the iron railings – blocking crawl with dead-speed for a few seconds to the vision of motorists completely. indicate your entry onto the other lane and roll forward to safely cross or merge with the flowing traffic.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 12 PAST PERFECT

Baro Mandir Ghat Jonaki Lahiri

very ghat we visit in the city of Kolkata seems to Ehold surprises. Every structure is unique. There are those that illustrate the pomp and grandeur the city once boasted while there are others which stand testimony to the acts of philanthropy of their creators. Surviving the ravages of time is a ghat which while bustling with life also has room for those craving peace. Welcome to the resplendent Baro Mandir Ghat of Panihati with its twelve Shiva temples – a must-visit site of Greater Kolkata.

Baro Mandir Ghat - Panihati

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 13 PAST PERFECT

Route From Shyambazar five-point crossing enter Barrackpore Trunk Road (B T Road). Continue straight on B T Road passing Dunlop, Kamarhati, Sagar Dutta Hospital and Panihati Municipality. Turn le opposite Panihati Sukhchar Bazar to enter Harish Chandra Dutta Road. Roll for a few metres and take the right fork from Panihati Health Centre and then the immediate le. Driving through these narrow lanes could be quite challenging. With no parking space near in the narrow lanes near the ghat, park your car in any convenient space on the approach road and proceed on foot. To reach the Baro Mandir Ghat, enter through the Vipassana Kendra main gate opposite Bimal Kr Banerjee’s house on Mahendranath Chatterjee Road.

The resplendent facade of the ghat

The Ghat ‘me time’ or to reflect upon life – the Originally christened Harish Chandra Dutta atmosphere invites such spiritualism. Ghat, the Baro Mandir Ghat was named Undoubtedly, even more inviting, is the aer the twelve temples of Shiva – built ghat itself. right on the ghat. As you go past the Vipassana Centre Gate, you are enthralled The pavilion of the ghat, bathed in the hues by the lush green premises of the ghat. A of the setting sun, is a glorious sight. It is small roundabout in front of the ghat with replete with tall pillars giving way to a a tulsi plant catches your attention. broad flight of stairs that descends to meet the River Hooghly. Right across the river, is On entering the premises a beautiful the jetty of Konnagar. manicured strip of plantation welcomes you. On each side of the pavilion are six Shiva temples standing in a row on raised platforms. The garden in front of the temples is surrounded by bushes and tall trees making for a green canopy. There are two sculpted lions seated on top of either of the gates of the garden. Inside there are benches for visitors to while away some The entrance of the ghat through the Vipassana Centre Gate

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 14 PAST PERFECT

History According to a local resident and history The incident had a major impact on Harish enthusiast Chirantan Chattopadhyay, this Chandra, who thus decided to build a ghat bathing ghat was established in the name which could be easily accessed by pregnant of Ishwar Harish Chandra Dutta of the women. On his direction, his nephew family of Kolkata’s Huthkhola Duttas. It Narendranath Dutta constructed the was built by Harish Chandra Dutta’s Harish Chandra Dutta Ghat. nephew, Narendranath Dutta in 1869 AD. It was built along with twelve adjacent Shiva Interestingly, aer the survey of the temples so that the daily bathers would Ganges from Kalna to Gangasagar in 1924, offer their prayers to Lord Shiva soon aer the then Calcutta Port Commissioner their holy bath at the Ganges. stated, 'No other ghat down Kalna is so broad, so easy of ascent and so beautiful to In 1966-67, as per the will of the 3rd look at. It never turns dry even at the generation of the Duttas, in the absence of lowest ebb-tide.' any heir, the ownership of the Ghat was entrusted to Calcutta University. Thus, The ghat is built of brick, surki and chita Harish Chandra bathing ghat or the Baro gur. The steps have been constructed at Mandir Ghat became a Calcutta University only 4 inches height each, making the ghat undertaking. easy to ascend. There are various patterns and motifs engraved on the pavilion Folklore has it that during the observation designed by Sir Bradford Leslie. The first of 'Tarpan' rituals by Sri Harish Chandra Bengali Engineer Nilmani Mitra was the Dutta in the Ganges at Kolkata, he found a advisor for the construction of the ghat pregnant woman who had fallen on the while Sir Bradford Leslie conceptualised it. steps of the ghat while carrying a water- filled pitcher and soon aer the incident In 2018, the ghat was declared as a heritage she had a miscarriage, succumbed to her site by the West Bengal Heritage injuries and died. Commission.

The six-a-side Shiva Temples on either side of the Ghat

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 15 PAST PERFECT

Children love to play in the ghat premises

The beautiful pavilion of the ghat overlooking the Hooghly

The well-maintained pavilion of Seeking refuge at the ghat the ghat is a respite to the denizens

Life at the Ghat Overall, the place emanates a sense of Penty Da, the priest, has been carrying out peace and happiness, vibrant, even the rituals of the Shiva temples for the youthful vibes, very unlike any of the past sixty years. On Mondays, special pujas earlier visited ghats. are carried out at the temples. Every year, the 3rd Monday of Shravana is celebrated Ghats never die. And it is we, the people, with gaiety. who keep them alive, through our daily activities - bathing, washing, following The steps of the ghat serve as an evening rituals or simply whiling the time away. parlour for the denizens who spend time The once life-lines of the city have now here with their friends and family while succumbed to the changing face of city luxuriating in the setting sun. Some take life. It is a good idea to apportion some a dip in the river while others fill their of your precious time in surrendering to pitchers with the holy water. A local the charms of these wonderful historical model might be spotted trying to pose monuments of the city. Who knows… on the stairs and lip-sync to a Bengali this might be your day to help save the folk number while her crew is busy ghats, contribute meaningfully to the pampering her, catering to her tantrums. heritage of our gorgeous city.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 16 CALCUTTA CHRONICLES

Calcutta's World-Class Phenomenon Brian Paul Bach

Gateway to Dakshineswar

ri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, born in the embodiment of his very essence, but Srural Bengal but wholly associated the Universalist nature of his teaching with Calcutta, is a world-figure who embraces all faiths. needs no introduction. That being the case, my friend Prof. Sreemati We are all familiar with his visage. In the three Mukherjee, of College Street’s venerable (popular) photographs that were taken of Presidency University, has just published him, he is smiling. His genial Everyman look is ‘The Many Dialogues of the Sri Sri relaxed, contemporary, even ‘cool’ (in the jazz Ramakrishna Kathamrita’, an enlightened musician sense). With his trademark plump exploration into the great man’s own lips and gentle snaggle-toothed smile, he is enlightenment, its dimensions, as spoken by unconventional and refreshingly non-exalted. the sage himself. Her book charts his Benevolent and accessible instead of loy phenomenally reimagined spiritual thought, and beatific, his message is overwhelmingly which won great and wide appeal. His positive, passionate, and tolerant. teachings also launched a major institution of education and social action: the Of course for many, he has been credited Ramakrishna Mission. (The additional ‘Sri’ in with revitalizing Hinduism. His primary his title indicates the very special veneration focus was on the Mother goddess Kali as with which Ramakrishna is regarded.)

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 17 CALCUTTA CHRONICLES

Prof. Mukherjee made superb use of Covid lockdown hours to really delve into Ramakrishna’s dialogues word for word. They reveal that he was quite a ‘regular fellow’ in relating to people, instead of some dubious mendicant or poseur. At various points he was branded as mad, but his teachings are so grounded, so naturally expressive of human kind’s better choices in life, his sincerity was substantial enough to be accepted as credible and valid.

Prof. Mukherjee identifies his teachings as in India’s great oral tradition. Fortunately, in the modernistic sense, there was a brilliant mind present to set his wisdom down, impeccably and for posterity. ‘M’ (Mahendranath Gupta) was the chronicler who captured it. M. was no devotee at first, and when acknowledging M.’s equivocations, Ramakrishna retorted, ‘Oh, you people of Calcutta just give lectures and try to make people understand Rani Rashmoni's town houses everything!’ Well, that’s an intriguing in Jaun Bazar nuance applicable to today’s online-based knowledge, conveniently placed a few keystrokes away, but all too oen superficially couched for ready consumption.

M. brings his subject alive in the great manner of a Boswell, not only chronicling his profundities of Kali-worship and his frequent samadhi episodes, but also transcribing his conversations that range from the instructional to the humorous. Aer his spiritual struggle with the Mother goddess, Ramakrishna came into his own. There is meditative and contemplative time aplenty, but music and dance are major parts of his soul. He also gets around town a lot. He is always welcome at Rani Rashmoni’s houses, as it was she who funded the building of Dakshineswar itself in 1847, Mackintosh Burn Ltd., contractors. He is a theatre fan (‘Everything is theatre!’), and is delightfully This shrine in Kankurgachi houses the sage's ashes in a copper urn

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 18 CALCUTTA CHRONICLES

Dakshineswar

inquiring and socially engaged always. images of Kali in her Temple and the I had previously thought the opposite! flanking Radhakanta Temple and the My visits to the Ramakrishna-oriented Natmandir virtually to myself. A more sites of greater Calcutta have always been recent visit was thronged with devotees fascinating and edifying, but Prof. (and tourists), but I wouldn’t necessarily Mukherjee’s synthesis of M’s brand it a carnival or mela atmosphere. documentation of the lively sage’s latter I refer to Ramakrishna as Calcutta’s world- years supplies actual dialogue and drama class phenomenon, because he is truly to those very locations. unique. An illiterate intellectual, an accessible mystic, a consummate wise I knew next-to-nothing of him or his man without pretensions or ego, he had remarkable wife Sarada Devi or even an ever-expanding mind. Among Swami Vivekananda when I first visited Calcutta’s galaxy of great figures, Sri Sri Dakshineswar in 1982. I gazed in on the Ramakrishna is an original, like Calcutta sage’s living quarters with a dullish itself. ignorance, but glad I did, as everything since has been a rewarding discovery. The ‘As long as I live so long do I learn’. navaratna (‘nine towers’) climax of the Kali Temple is among the very best of its kind. Stay curious, have fun, and be sure to On that day, I had Ramakrishna’s seminal come when Calcutta calls!

Ramakrishna Temple at Belur

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 19 DO YOU KNOW

Pay attention to your Tyres! Pradeep Gooptu

et roads. Low grip. Limited Wvisibility in the rain, requiring harsh braking. The only thing that keeps us safe in these conditions are our tyres. The advances in this critical component are worth noting.

Early cars, modelled on horse drawn carriages, had thin tyres. Most low priced cars had solid rubber tyres – they did not blow out, absorbed nails and objects on the road and insulated the rims, as the advertisement by Carmont claims.

In competition was pneumatic (or air filled) tyres, patented by R W Thomson (Edinburgh, 1845), then John Boyd Dunlop (England, 1888) and Andre Michelin in Paris. In 1885, the Peugeot L’éclair model was launched using pneumatics, and slowly the industry switched over.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 20 DO YOU KNOW

PROBLEMS Pneumatic tyres were comfortable and flexible, besides offering better grip. The early Dunlop image shows the comfort aspect, claiming a baby would smile at the ride. The disaster was that early tyres leaked and burst.

The world’s leading car magazine wrote in 1907: The owner of a 100 hp car offered a great firm of tyre makers 1000 UK pounds (about Rs. 5 lakh today) a year to keep his cars supplied with tyres and met with a chilly response.

A survey of three 'careful’motorists, each owning India Super, Carmont ads a 40 hp car, revealed that expenditure upon tyres in a year were 600-700 UK pounds a year (Rs. 3.5 lakh)!

Cars were sold on the basis of how well their design looked aer tyres. A large Hotchkiss on a 15,000 mile (24,000 km) English Royal Automobile Club trial consumed 46 RPT 46 tyres! Cost: 550 pounds (around Rs. 2.5 lakh).

In contrast, one of the strongest selling points of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (40/50 six) was its low tyre consumption. In the same 15,000 mile trial, the car consumed only 16 tyres, which cost 187 UK pounds.

Naturally, cars sold in India were oen fitted with double rear tyres and one is shown here. Tyres of every type were imported and sold in Firestone, Michelin ads India for the average life was as low as 1000 miles at first, slowly rising over the years. As a humorist of that age commented, owning a car was as expensive as horse racing- but cars did not dirty the road as much.

Car with twin rear tyres Dunlop tyres ad KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 21 DO YOU KNOW

MANUFACTURE Dunlop was the pioneer, setting up one of Asia’s greatest factories at Sahagunj (near Kolkata). It made tyres from the primary stage, having its own Banbury machine and a huge moulding and curing department. Products were made for all types of cars, two wheelers, tractors and even jet aircra of the Indian Air Force.

Motoring folklore said Dunlop had the best tread designs, which gave unmatched grip in dry or wet conditions– it scooped out water the best when it rained! In competition were some local companies. One in particular, the India Super, claimed it was better suited to local conditions in terms of rubber life and tread design.

American and European cars sold in large FirestoneChampion numbers in the market and naturally tyre makers followed. The major player supplying rubber for French and Italian volumes were large. Both the companies designs was Michelin of France (so pushed their successes on road and on track successfully worldwide that it bought up to attract buyers in the original and the Citroen car company). However, it replacement market. From maharajas on never had an extensive network. elephants to racing cars, their marketing blitz was huge. The more important players were the American giants Firestone and Goodyear. There was intense design competition as Most Ford cars came fitted, indicate well, with companies offering tyres with reports, with Firestone as original white borders or full white sides, specially equipment. As Ford UK and USA models highlighted lettering and other cosmetic were huge sellers in India, naturally features for tyre and rim alike. But that’s another story.

NEW NAMES Dunlop is among the great names of yesteryears which has been joined today by new tyre giants. From Indian MRF to Japan’s Bridgestone, the range today is huge. But tyres remain as critical as ever.

Thin or wide, low or high sidewall, treaded or cross-country, tyres are what give a car motion and direction. So naturally, like motorists as 120 years ago, we still discuss the performance, mileage and look of tyres every time we buy a car or change its shoes. Dunlop tyres ad

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 22 DRIVE OUT Baranti Team WHEELS

ome monsoon, mother earth is covered in a sheath of verdant green. The sky is lit Cwith a mystic grey while dews of freshness oozes out of the foliage. At such times, to enjoy the bounties of nature, Team WHEELS embarked on a journey to a small town at Purulia - Baranti, to unravel its wondrous beauty.

Route Team WHEELS hit the roads at around 8 am, constructed Panagarh Flyover and the heading for Vidyasagar Setu to enter Kona elevated roads over Durgapur town. Expressway and connect to NH- 19 (NH-2). Within a short span, aer passing through At tripmeter 194.4 km, we entered the Dankuni, we drove into the Durgapur service lane on the le, leaving NH-19 (NH- Expressway (NH-19). Aer a halt for 2), towards Raniganj Paramedical College breakfast, we resumed our drive and passed and take the immediate le opposite the through Bardhaman, followed by Durgapur– underpass from Mangalpur Crossing to following the NH-19 (NH-2) by the newly- enter Raniganj by the M. N. Ghosh Road.

km distance 241 from Kolkata hours 5 driving time days The resplendent Baranti 2-3 trip duration

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 23 DRIVE OUT

The road is quite narrow and we had a tough time navigating through the congested Raniganj Town However, this is the fastest option to reach the highway NH-14 (NH-60).

Continuing straight past the Dargah we reached the NSB Road Crossing. Taking le from here, we headed straight till we reached the Municipality Morh, from where we took the right fork towards Bankura going past the Mining College to enter the Country roads leading to Baranti Sahebganj Bypass / NH-14 (NH-60) from Ballavpur Morh.

Continuing straight we crossed the Mejia Bridge to enter the Saltora-Mejia Road. The road, though narrow, has a smooth tarmac and less traffic. Driving the next 25- 30 km on this road was a breeze crossing several small villages until at tripmeter 233.7 where we took the right turn towards Baranti. At tripmeter 238.6, we turned right followed by the right fork and then a le The Baranti Forest road near Baranti Hill turn to arrive at our destination, Spangle Wings Resort, Baranti. immediately lied our spirits. Aer a quick As our car rolled in the premises of Spangle round of formality, we were ushered into Wings Resort, we were greeted by our our rooms. Freshening up, we headed for host, Samir Malakar. A very impressive the dining hall where a traditional Bengali facade with a 3-storey building and a menu awaited us to satiate our growling manicured garden surrounded by a large tummies. Post lunch we set off exploring football ground, hills, forests and a lake the beautiful Baranti.

Muradih Dam - Baranti

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 24 DRIVE OUT

Baranti A lesser heard town in Purulia, Baranti, is there to captivate you with its scenic beauty. Baranti is basically a small tribal village from where the place gets its name. The village has both Bengali and tribal population. The clean village with huts displaying mural paintings makes for a pleasant sight. The villagers also show an inclination towards music, which is evident from the musical instruments that are hung in an enclosed platform in the middle of the village. The connecting narrow roads pass through this village. Hills, lakes, forest, Baranti has a lot to offer from its kitty and this is where its beauty lies. Baranti Hill - verdant green Baranti Hill and Forest About 300 m from the resort, right in front, bamboo shrubs, sal, piyal, amloki, bahra, is the Baranti Hill. Thick with tall trees and haritoki, neem and other tropical trees. shrubs, Baranti Hill is probably less than a Palash can be seen everywhere in Baranti. 1000 in height. For the savage souls, The fauna includes wild boar, spotted deer, Baranti hill is ideal for trekking. A round porcupine and python. During summer, trek of the hill can be done in about 3 when the water in the forest dries up, the hours. The hill is home to several animals deer come out of the forest in search of and the deadly python, which comes out water. Some even enter the resort during the monsoons, trekking is not premises to drink water. recommended in this season. Our team thus refrained from trekking on the hill. Driving past the forest and through the narrow roads of Baranti village we arrived at Close to Spangle Wings Resort is Baranti the lake, less than a kilometre from our stay. Forest, also within 300 m from the resort. The tropical forest at Baranti comprises

Hills, rivers, forests, birds... all in one click

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 25 DRIVE OUT

Sunset at the Baranti Lake - surreal!

Baranti Lake, Muradih Hill and Dam The famous Baranti Lake lies nestled right in the lap of the hilly range of Baranti. It is a Muradih Dam built across the reservoir is huge water reservoir. Sunset in Baranti is under Ramchandrapur Irrigation scheme. particularly special. Watching the changing Tourists flock here to enjoy the scenic colours of the lake from time to time is a beauty. It is an ideal spot for picnics. The real treat for the eyes. We sat on the banks reservoir attracts a lot of migratory birds of the lake and waited to watch the every winter. The water of this dam is spectacular sunset. We could not stop mainly used for irrigation and fish marveling at the various shades of yellow production. The purified dam water is and red reflected on the water in the lights distributed in the neighbouring villages of the setting sun, creating a magical through pipe line. We sat by the water ambience. body till such time the planet went into a deep slumber. It was a complete The Muradih Hill in the backdrop of Baranti detoxifying experience. Lake is the signature landscape of Baranti. However, this hill is oen confused for Back to our resort, we relaxed with coffee Baranti Hill by the tourists. Muradih Hill, and snacks in the balcony. Dinner was a however, provides no trekking facility. Post simple spread. We retired to bed early so sunset, we drove past the Baranti Hill and that we can be ready to make an early came near the dam to relax our senses at check out. the foot of the Muradih Hill.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 26 DRIVE OUT

Accommodation There are several hotels and guest houses at Baranti. Spangle Wings resort is by far the best. Built on 2 bighas of land, Spangle Wings Resort is a 5-year old property. According to Samir Malakar, “Spangles is a special breed of butterfly of Uttarakhand origin. When the British came here for lac cultivation, they brought with them lac-kit. It is then these butterflies came here. Nature gushing in at Though they are used to cold weather, but the guest rooms - Spangle Wings Resort somehow managed to survive in adverse weather condition. Hence the name Spangle Wings. We have, in fact, framed pictures of Spangle Wings in every room.”

The resort is open on all four sides and nested amidst natural surroundings which makes the stay most interesting. The resort boasts six double-bed and five 4-bed rooms. It also has an 8-bed dormitory to cater to a large group of tourists. Four non- ac tents are coming up soon with common Panoramic view from the watch tower toilets outside the tents. However, staying at Spangle Wings Resort

The lush green premises - Spangle Wings Resort, Baranti

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 27 DRIVE OUT

in tents is not recommended during monsoons. There is a small tank in the premises with small fishes and a large cage with common birds.

The rooms are pretty neat with basic interiors. Each of the rooms has all three sides open and thus well lit and airy and throws a lovely view of the surroundings. There is a watch tower on the terrace. Enjoying the sight of the Baranti Hill, Baranti Lake, Muradih Hill and the Muradih School at Jeebanpur tribal village Dam from the watch tower is such a wonderful experience. Activities Barring monsoons, you can go trekking on “We change the entire decor of the rooms Baranti Hill round the year. For trekking, every 2-3 years. So anybody booking the you have to be accompanied by a guide, property post pujas should be able to see it which can be arranged from the resort. in its new avatar” announced Malakar. During winter, tribal dances are arranged at Food is pretty basic. At Spangle Wings, one the property. You may also drive around can expect basic Bengali cuisine cooked in Jeebanpur village to get a feel of a tribal a homely fashion. Service is pretty good. village, only 1.5 km from the resort.

A slice of life - Baranti Village

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 28 DRIVE OUT

Baranti is an ideal place to enjoy a homewards. Our journey back home was weekend in quietude, far removed from pretty smooth. We halted at a dhaba to the urban cacophony. You may simply grab a few bites and continued. We were relax at Baranti for a day or two or even delighted to enter the city as early as 6 drive down to other places close by to pm, without getting stuck at the Kona explore Purulia. Expressway. One must visit Baranti if not for a great revelry, definitely for resetting Aer a solid breakfast, we drove oneself and reposing in nature.

Infobox Nearby attractions • Guide for trekking • Gar Panchkot: 13 km (3 hr round trip): Rs. 200 • Panchet Dam: 15 km • Biharinath: 19 km • Tribal / Chhow dance: • Joy Chandi: 28 km Rs. 3500-4000 • Mython: 32 km • Susuniya: 35 km

Accommodation Spangle Wings Resort Tariff Restaurant Bar Baranti village, Near Baranti playground, Purulia 723156 Rs. 1500- 3200 9830341377 Generator [email protected] Standard www.spanglewingsresort.com Driver Accommodation

Room with a meadow-view The appealing layout - Spangle Wings Resort - Spangle Wings Resort

The resort overlooking the adjoining field and waterbody The airy corridor - Spangle Wings Resort

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 29 DRIVE OUT

ROUTE MAP KOLKATA – BARANTI (PURULIA)

ROAD ROUTE ROAD ROUTE NAME DESCRIPTION NAME DESCRIPTION

Set car’s trip meter to "0" at VIDYASAGAR Take right fork from the toll tax point at Vidyasagar Midnapur SETU Municipality Crossing in 0.0 Setu and enter Kona 199.6 (Toll Tax Point) Road (NH-14) Raniganj Town and proceed Expressway towards Bankura

NH-14 (NH-60) KONA Cross Santragachi Railway 4.3 201.1 At Ballavpur Morh take right EXPRESSWAY Station on left Sahebganj Bypass

NH-19 At the end of Kona Expressway 7.7 (NH-2) take the fly-over on right flank NH-14 (NH-60) Pass through 201.8 Sahebganj village CONNECTOR proceeding towards NH-2

Follow direction towards NH-19 16.8 Delhi / Bardhaman and NH-14 (NH-60) Go onto Mejia Bridge (NH - 2) 202.9 proceed straight

Reach Dankuni Toll Tax Plaza NH-19 to enter Durgapur Expressway. Saltora-Mejia 21.8 205.5 At Mejia Morh turn right (NH - 2) Proceed straight towards Road towards Saltora Bardhaman

Reach Palsit Toll Tax Plaza – Proceed towards NH-19 Saltora-Mejia 82.7 Proceed forward towards 223.8 Saltora (Bhairinath (NH - 2) Bardhaman Road enters on right)

Pass by Nawab Hut Morh in NH-19 Pass through Saltora town. 108.5 Bardhaman and proceed 224.4 Saltora-Mejia (NH - 2) Proceed forward towards forward towards Panagarh Road Raghunathpur

NH-19 Reach Durgapur Toll Tax Saltora-Mejia Pass by Sutar Morh 163.4 Plaza. Proceed forward 226.7 (NH - 2) and continue towards towards Asansol Road Raghunathpur

At Raniganj, leave NH-19 Turn right towards Baranti. NH-19 (NH-2), and enter the service Road to 194.4 233.7 The road narrows down and (NH - 2) lane connecting Mangalpur Baranti crossing for entering the town passes through light forest

Dr. M. N. Turn left at Mangalpur Road to Proceed forward towards 196 crossing below the 237.5 Baranti following the Ghosh Road underpass at Raniganj Baranti village road

Dr. M. N. Pass Raniganj Paramedical Road to 196.7 College followed by a Dargah 238.6 Turn left towards Baranti Ghosh Road on the right Baranti

Turn left from the crossing Road to Take the right fork. The 199.4 N S B Road of Marwari Relief Society 238.8 road widens and passes Hospital followed by a post Baranti through a light forest office

Road to Take left lane for Spangle 241 Baranti Wing Resort at Baranti

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 30 NOSTALGIA

C R A S H or Crush Abhijit Dasgupta

ight from my kindergarten days, I Rhave been in love with cars. Earliest memories include drives in my father’s Austin 10. The large extended family would pack themselves in like a can of sardines. Since our leader in mischief was the much pampered young favourite of his ‘Moni Dadu’, my father would indulgently look the other way. I called this enfant terrible ‘tulamu’. Though he was older than me, I am his maternal uncle.

We lived together as one large family. Later, My early days in my father's Austin when he shied to Bombay, he would oen drive his Fiat Millecento (with a middle grill light) to Yelahanka to race in the stock car category. A born genius whose name and fame has now spread across the globe, his music is still at the top of the charts.

Rahul Deb Burman was that beloved mischief leader. We all loved cars. Our dreams, though, went beyond the Ambassadors, Fiats and Standard Heralds.

Veteran car enthusiasts might recall Andrew Cowan and Colin Malkin winning the 1968 ten thousand miles London to Andrew Cowan Sydney ‘carathon’ in a Hillman Hunter. In that London-Sydney rally, Australians

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 31 NOSTALGIA

dominated the show. ‘Much preparation has gone into adapting the vehicle to face the undoubtedly gruelling conditions of this marathon. It is a terrific endurance test for the vehicle and crew alike,’ said Cowan. I am privileged because I cover the India portion of this gruelling event for Amrita Bazar Patrika. I particularly remember the happiest moment when I am presented a pair of Cibie Super Oscar lamps by Rank Organisation, the sponsors Before the start of Andrew Cowan.

During the Asian highway rally in 1970, even the Iran-made ‘Paykan’ impressed me. Based on a 1966 Hillman Hunter design the Iranians carried out modifications to make the car people friendly and affordable. It was an excellent car. Paykan in Iran

Excellent cars discarded in the river In 1980, I get a scholarship to go to the USA. My first shock is at seeing dumped cars in New York. I wonder how someone can just throw away a car. And here are excellent cars discarded in the river! In Ohio during my tenure there, I visit the grave of cars. The car crusher noise is heart wrenching as I see car aer car go under the huge hydraulic machine. I wonder why Wreckers 1 these cars cannot be exported as junk. They can earn a penny for themselves and we can surely argue the import duty on ‘junk’. I’ve seen cars being driven – not towed, coming to these yards to get smashed – not just in a James Bond movie but in reality… and I dream of owning one of them. Cars die here. Driving past a cemetery I notice a banner – ‘People are Wreckers 2 dying to get here’.

While in the US of A, can you miss the Indy 500? I planned to go. Not that I got to go, but I did get an opportunity to be in the TV production control room.

It was the early morning of the 25th of May. As our car inched towards the epicentre I heard the words‘It is 7 in the morning, with

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 32 NOSTALGIA

an early morning fog — the sun will come up later — let’s see what the road looks like — Oh Oh! Traffic seems to be crawling at a snail's pace — all moving in one direction — towards the Indy 500 race tracks…’. This commentary is being relayed via the radio, the commentator reporting from a helicopter hovering above our car.

Of the major motor races of the world the Indy 500 is undoubtedly the most Motor homes on way popular. What goes on in the speedways is as exciting as what goes around. The rich in limousines, the young in trucks, hell's angels on mobikes, student hitch- hikers, and families in motor homes — throng to the speedway. Sunday before the 'memorial-day' of Monday reverberates with the sheer abundant energy of motor enthusiasts. On the Indy Dam the law 500 way on this Sunday, even the ever- vigilant highway police patrol put on blinkers except when streakers run wild cheered by their fans.

The old, remembering their grandchildren, also drive to Indy in their special numbered cars.

The Purdue University band plays the 500 salute and by 9.45 am, as the Rules - who cares

The number plate that reads 'Let me tell you about my grand children'

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 33 NOSTALGIA

Parade of beauties

band plays 'On the banks of Wabash’, the cars toodle over to their starting positions. At 10 am the hum of the crowd rises to a feverish pitch as the best of beauties in glittering Pontiac turbo Trans AM vehicles parade around the circuit.

Johnnie Parson Sr. joins them in the Souvenirs same car in which he had won the 1950 race. At 10.53 Johnnie Parson changes cars and leads the 33 participants in his official Trans AM pace car on a two - lap parade. The speed slowly increases to 100 mph and at exactly 11 am the starter waves the green flag for a flying start.

Attending the Indy involves a prestige that Action Station some display with pride. Outside too, the sidelights of Indy are equally interesting.

The trophy made of sterling silver with a bas relief bust of each winner, weighs 80 pounds! Liing it needs something more than just brute strength.

But the drive to Indy 500 and the night before at Detroit gives me the unique Miss Americas opportunity of visiting the Greenfields village. History is preserved and recreated here. It is a great draw not just for cars but for airplanes too. Flying, my passion, never becomes my profession because of eye issues. I see the Spirit of Saint Louis – the plane that Lindbergh flew in 1927 for the first non-stop transatlantic flight. Spirit of St. Louis

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 34 NOSTALGIA

It is here that I get to see the first Ford factory. It is an experience to see history unfold – as it does here. We too have things to be proud of but we just don’t care to preserve the past. Thanks to ‘Wheels’, some moments may get another lease of life. On completion of my tenure, my wife joins me. We drive across the USA and reach Canada. Here I see another mad Cessna Pilot Center event. Instead of crushing cars you crash cars as a sport. The demolition derby draws the same kind of crowd that enjoys boxing and wrestling; only this time it is car boxing. Good cars end up as wrecks.

Not just in North America. The British island of Bermuda, made famous by the ‘Bermuda triangle’ by Charles Berlitz is an expensive place to live. It is evident as our The Ford Motor Company special flight from Paris to Andrews Air Force base near Washington approaches the runway to land on the small island. The runway goes right on to the sea. Though my stay here is only for about an hour, I do not forget to take a photograph from the aircra – of the waste of wealth.

We have dreams, and necessity being the mother of invention, we have learnt to History preserved innovate. Our cars of yesteryears that participated in rallies and races have incorporated home-developed indigenous engineering features fit to baffle even the engineers of the rich and famous. But have we preserved them? Do we even have a record of these great machines or feats? We need to look for a chronicler with special skills. And remember, if volunteering, you can drive your car chronicle straight into the Crash 1 - in demolition derby annals of posterity.

Bermuda triangle Crash 2 - in demolition derby

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 35 EVENT

We, the motorists of India, are forced to We are compelled to protest against this bear an inhuman tax burden exceeding brutal approach of our governments. 120% on fuel, which is one of the most Let's join hands and make our voices heard essential commodities today. to push for a change.

Amidst a global pandemic, when all are Let’s raise our voice in solidarity with all struggling to make ends meet, the soaring fellow motorists of India and spread this prices of fuel are crushing the motorists. message around.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 36 MY TRIP

Hidden gems of Uttar Pradesh Dudhwa National Park Wheeler Shivaji Sengupta

n article on ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh and his the district of Lakhimpur – Kheri on the Indo- Aefforts to relocate a zoo bred tigress Nepal border, Dudhwa National Park is the named ‘Tara’ in Dudhwa National Park inspired crown jewel of Uttar Pradesh and, along with us to visit the jungles of Terai. Katerniaghat and Kishanpur Wild Life Santuary, is a fine example of the grasslands and forests Starting with a short visit to Katerniaghat Wild of Terai. Though these forests are separate, Life Santuary for two nights, we drove to there are interconnecting tracts between the Dudhwa National Park, a distance of 100 km three which act as wildlife corridors and help in which we covered in three hours. Situated in regular movement of animals.

"Wilderness touches the heart, mind and soul of each individual in a way known only to himself"- Michael Frome Writer and Conservationist

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 37 MY TRIP

Beautiful office cum residence of Dudhwa National Park Field Director

The vegetation is deciduous along with characteristic wide grasslands. As the area is watered by rivers originating in the Himalayas which flow south from Nepal, it is green and moist throughout the year. Another very interesting fact about Dudhwa is that apart from Manas and Kaziranga National Park in Assam, it is the only national park in India to host the big three – elephants, tigers and rhinos.

Our stay was booked at the forest rest house and was wonderful to say the least. The rest Forest entry gate of Dudhwa National Park houses are situated very close to the forest entry gate and lie adjacent to the staff quarters aernoon we reached and we sighted the most of forest officers. The fenced enclosure also has beautiful species of the deer family, a solitary a Nature Interpretation Centre, a large cafeteria barking deer. One look at that innocent face to feed the many day visitors and a VIP guest and it was love at first sight. We also saw a lone house worthy of a king. Another very interesting elephant at a distance which was beyond my forest rest house is situated in the middle of the camera range. forest and surrounded by electric fencing powered by solar energy. Booking for the same The next morning’s safari was scary to say the is very difficult and in spite of my best efforts, least. We came across a herd of elephants and we could not find accommodation. This gave us while we were enjoying the sight, they did not one more reason to visit Dudhwa again. enjoy our company. One bull tusker took offence at our temerity in occupying the same Our first safari was scheduled for the very space and charged. Our driver, taken aback at

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 38 MY TRIP

The elephant herd who did not enjoy our company

this aggressive behavior, initially fumbled with and windy when we started on our safari. Aer the ignition keys but finally managed to get us a few minutes’ drive it became very out of harm’s way. That evening we were uncomfortable and so we decided to halt near narrating the incident to the forest ranger and a small waterbody. he told us that it was mating season and males become very aggressive during this period. With the first rays of the sun we heard the alarm call of a deer but could spot neither the Rain clouds had gathered by evening and it predator nor its prey. Soon we had moved on. had cooled considerably, so we decided to sit Then, passing the area of our encounter with outside aer dinner. The time was around 11 elephants of the day before, we turned a corner pm when the security guard approached and requested us to move back to our rooms. Apparently a young male leopard comes for a walk most nights to an area very near the place we were sitting in; the entry gate to the forest was next to our room and it was never closed. That night it rained and the morning was cold

Watchtower with a commanding view of the forest

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 39 MY TRIP

to find our jeep stuck in so mud. Memories of Pench flashed through our mind and with yesterday’s elephant charge still fresh, it was a very uncomfortable few minutes before our vehicle had moved forward.

All safari jeeps are four wheel drives which saved the day for us, as otherwise we would have been stuck there till help arrived, which was unlikely to happen soon, as we were the only vehicle inside the forest that morning.

In Dudhwa, rhinos have been segregated and Barking deer - The most beautiful member are housed in a fenced enclosure as other animals are still not familiar with them and of the deer family there have been cases of animal conflict. In one such incident a forest elephant was attacked by Though our sightings were restricted to a rhino and in rage killed her mahout. Though elephants and other denizens of the jungle, the we drove all around the enclosure twice, rhino beauty of the forest le us in awe, and we were sighting eluded us. sure that we would visit again, this time in winter, to see the elusive tiger. Though there are around seventy tigers in Dudhwa, sightings are less frequent during (To be continued in the next issue) summer months due to the many waterbodies deep inside the forest. They are more common during winter when animals come out in the open to bask in the sun. This is unlike other forests of Central India where watering holes start drying up during summer and animals converge towards the few that are le. These become the favourite calling place of tourists.

Our three nights stay at Dudhwa was soon over and we moved on to our next destination, the Chuka Tiger Reserve, famous from Jim Corbett’s writings on the killing of the Thak and the Chuka maneaters in the 1930s.

A solitary Kingfisher waiting for its prey

A forest track still green in peak summer

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 40 CAR LAUNCH

SKODA KUSHAQ A premium mid-sized SUV

Yash Agarwal

ver the years, numerous compact SUVs Ohave entered the Indian market and each has arrived equipped with its unique USP. However, none of these offered impeccable German build quality along with a premium European badge. That is, until the arrival of the Skoda Kushaq.

The Kushaq is the first model to be based on VW’s localised MQB-AO-IN underpinnings. This platform will further be adopted by the VW Taigun, a cousin to the Kushaq. It is available in three trims - Active, Ambition and Style with prices starting at INR 10.49 lakh and going up to INR 17.59 lakh for the top-spec Style trim. And although it competes against the likes of Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, MG Hector and the Tata Harrier, the Kushaq’s dimensions might make you believe otherwise.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 41 CAR LAUNCH

Compact on size Of all its competitors as mentioned above, However, boot space takes a hit with just Kushaq is the smallest, narrowest and 385-litres against the segment leader MG shortest compact SUV. Even when viewed Hector and its enormous 587-litres. in person, Kushaq would seem like a competitor to the Kia Sonnet or the Ford Premium Cabin Finish Ecosport, but that’s not a negative point On the inside, Kushaq’s dashboard raises considering the dismal state of traffic and the premium benchmark for the segment. parking in metro cities like Kolkata. Chrome surrounds, honeycomb decor, protruding air vents, ambient lighting – all Fortunately, Kushaq’s wheelbase pips over upliing the cool quotient of the Skoda the South Korean best-selling duo of Creta cabin. The AC controls get touch input, and Seltos’s numbers, entailing a more while the steering wheel is an all-new two- spacious cabin than bigger-sized rivals. spoke unit with gnarled chrome finishes on the steering-mounted controls.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 42 CAR LAUNCH

Powertrain options The car comes with two engines on offer – Feature-laden Cabin a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder TSI and a 1.5 litre 4- This compact SUV doesn’t get an all-digital cylinder TSI mill. Both turbocharged instrument cluster which is surprising, engines can be had with a manual or an especially on a car with a premium badge automatic gearbox though the 3-cylinder and price tag. Top-spec models do come only gets a traditional 6-speed torque with a sunroof and rear AC vents – valuable converter, while the 4-cylinder equipment for the general Indian turbocharged mill can be had with VW population. Apart from that surprising Group’s famed 7-speed DSG gearbox. digital speedometer omission, the rest of Power figures for both engines are rated at the cabin is fairly modern. A 10-inch 115 hp and 178 Nm and 150 hp and 250 Nm infotainment screen adorns the central torques for the three and four-cylinder dashboard, equipped with offline maps, mills, respectively. Skoda claims Kushaq will valet mode and wireless Android Auto and return mileage figures between 15-17 kmpl. Apple Car Play connectivity. Multiple Type- C charging points can be found across the cabin, along with cruise control capabilities and parking cameras and sensors.

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 43 CAR LAUNCH

Safety A capable city car Most of the advanced braking systems are In essence, Kushaq is compact on size, but standard across all trims, along with two not where it matters, i.e. it has a cabin more front airbags. The top Style trim further spacious than the Korean duo. Plus, its gets curtain and front side airbags and tyre smaller footprint should make living with it pressure monitoring system. Additionally, in the city easier while those sharp looks the hill-hold control and anti-the alarm provide you with a guaranteed ‘feel-good’ are also only available on the top trim. factor. Inside, the dashboard design lives up to the European badge standards as the class-leading space, and a sufficient equipment list should please Indians. Though it would be interesting to see if Indians are willing to pay a premium for a smaller car than segment-rivals.

Skoda Kushaq Specifications 1.0-litre TSI 1.5-litre TSI ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Displacement (cc) 999 1498 Number of cylinders 3 4 Maximum power output 115 hp @ 5000 150 hp @ 5000 rpm (PS@RPM)

Maximum torque (NM@RPM) 178 @ 1750 - 4500 250 Nm @ 1500 - 3500rpm Transmission type 6-speed manual/6-speed Auto 6-speed manual/7-speed DSG Fuel Type Petrol Petrol

Wheel Drive Front

SUSPENSION Macpherson Strut Suspension with lower triangular links and Front stabiliser bar

Rear Twist Beam Axle

TYRES

Tyres 205/60 R16 Alloy (Active and Ambition), 205/55 R17 (Style)

BRAKE

Front Disc

Rear Drum

DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES

Overall length (mm) 4225

Overall width (mm) 1760

Overall height (mm) 1612

Wheelbase (mm) 2651

Fuel tank capacity (L) 50

Boot space (L) 385

PRICE RANGE INR 10.49 lakh – 17.59 lakh

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 44 KOLKATA CANVAS

Mounted Police at Kolkata Maidan Photograph by Shubabrata Bose Position 3rd Year 2021-22

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 45 WHEELERS FORUM

Event Calendar

28-29 Aug (Sat - Sun) Drive Tour 26 sep Wheelers Annual Meet Destination: For Wheelers Sunday Venue: The Stadel, Salt Lake Stadium Mukutmanipur and Guests For Wheelers and Spouses Details: www.kolkataonwheels.com

Social Service Committee P Parking Committee Report Report The committee met with Badri Narayan Kar, Chief Engineer of NDITA (Sector V) on 4 August 2021. Key takeaways from the meeting are as follows: ► P arking norms at the Nabadiganta Multilevel Parking - an NDITA project near Technopolis is as follows: Hourly parking rate: Rs. 10 per hour for 1st hour and Rs. 5 per hour subsequently

Monthly parking fee: Rs. 700 The WHEELS Social Service Committee Parking time: 7 am - 10 pm along with Rotary Club of Calcutta Inner City and Bharat Scouts & Guides – Parking capacity: 600 vehicles South Calcutta local Assn. have The rates have been kept low to encourage undertaken a vocational training project motorists to avail the facility at Sector V. to impart free of cost drivers training ► N DITA is in the process of floating tenders for for unemployed youths of the society. parking in other areas of Sector V and the Ten youths have been selected and rates will be Rs. 20 per hour for 1st hour and enlisted for training at six driving Rs. 10 per hour subsequently. training schools in Kolkata. On successful completion of the training ► A ll parking attendants at Sector V will have a course, the underprivileged youths uniform displaying contact numbers for would be able to generate income from complaints/emergency. professional driving. ► N DITA will consider the Committee’s suggestion of displaying sign boards of ‘Fee +91-9830157780 Parking’, ‘Free Parking’ and ‘No Parking’ within Sector V with parking rates and [email protected] complaint numbers. +91-9051027773 [email protected] H E L P L I N E +91-9830370371

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 46 TEAM

Editor Souvik Ghosh Executive Editor Trina Das Gupta Associate Editor Jonaki Lahiri Editorial Advisors P T Nair, Tarun Goswami, Pradeep Gooptu, Abhijit Dasgupta Volume: 13 Issue: 11 Edition: Digital Photographers Subha Sengupta, Pooshan D Published on: 25 August 2021 Mallick Art Direction K Chatterjee Technical Team Digital Googly Page: Kolkata On Wheels Group: Kolkata Wheelers Advertisement & Contact: +91 9830370371 Circulation [email protected]

Published by Aruna Ghosh KolkataonWHEELS Guide India Publication, 19-B Allenby Road, Kolkata 700020 H E L P L I N E

Team WHEELS +91-9830370371

Kunal Banerjee, Basudev Ghosh, Email: [email protected] Sandeep Sardar, Ashis Kr Bagchi, Website: www.kolkataonwheels.com Subroto De, Uttam Bose, Partha Laha, Debopam Banerjee, Arnab Associate Bhowmick, Krishnendu Basu, Alok Automobile Association Nag, Swarup Paul, Dipanjan of Eastern India Ganguly, Sandip Hunday, Aritra Sardar, Aditya Dasgupta, Sapna RNI Registration no. WBENG/2009/30068 Dey, Ujjal Maitra Copyright: Guide India Publication

+91-98311 60310/98302 73443 [email protected]

Traffic Committee Parking Committee

Jayant Basu (Chairman), Shivaji Sengupta (Chairman), Anubrata Gangoly, Samirendra Nath Mukherjee, Rajib Majumdar, Debraj Dey, Ujjal Maitra Elina Sengupta

+91-8961086998 +91-9051027773 traffi[email protected] [email protected]

Social Service Committee Legal Committee

Sudip Kumar Ghosh (Chairman), Ravi Asopa (Chairman), Sandip Amit Kr Banerjee, Sourav Nandy, Bhattacharya, Soumendra Roy Arindam Mukhopadhyay, Dr G R Chowdhuri Kaunish Chakraborty, Ashok, Biswajit Chatterjee Arnab Dut

+91-9830157780 +91-9830161201 [email protected] [email protected]

KOLKATA ON WHEELS I August 2021 47 9th Annual Meet CELEBRATING THE CAMADERIE OF WHEELERS

26 SEPTEMBER SUNDAY 11.30 AM THE STADEL | SALT LAKE STADIUM

Inviting all Life Members and spouses to the annual meet over lunch

REGISTRATION: www.kolkataonwheels.com CONTACT: +91-9830370371 | [email protected]