Kamal Baruah
(kamal.baruah@yahoo.com)
We’re living in a noisy and chaotic world around us, while more than half the world’s populations are concentrated in urban areas, and its people struggle all day working in monotonous succession to make a living. There’s a holiday on the weekend, and people simply love it. Ever wondered why we celebrate holidays? They’re not just days off work or school. Even farmers stop ploughing a field with bulls on the eleventh day of a lunar fortnight. After all, they all need a break. Many organizations cut workweeks, though not wages, to reduce burnout and make workers happier, more productive, and more committed to their employers. People undoubtedly felt much more energised after a holiday.
Europe is now thriving on 4-day workweeks. Ironically, our country still follows the age-old tradition of working long hours; that’s a serious health hazard for the long run. Though central government employees have two weekends off, will five days of working for other sectors become a reality soon? Despite all odds, people go far away from the madding crowd. From the hills to the riverine areas, people swam and went on picnics on Sundays. However, choosing the best one-day getaway spot is rather a puzzling situation. Alas! Now there’s a SOP for vehicles going on picnics for road safety that would help curb road mishaps.
Last weekend, we drove down the street in a car for a leisurely day out. It was about 50 kilometres of highway, and we felt easy. The newly laid road at the Jagiroad-Morigaon stretch also brought us enthusiasm, while Google Maps kept giving directions, showing multiple routes and the best route to our destination. We’re gossiping tales of how Google might land you on a road to nowhere sometimes, but not very often. Many Google users complained about the app often directing to dirt roads instead of paved roads or major roads. People even abuse Google Maps. That’s really annoying.
However, I wasn’t entirely convinced. With a clear road ahead, I shifted into high gear as I had a clear view through the windshield. As usual, we rely on Google Maps for directions, and the car went on along the blue dot, moving. As I approached an intersection, a clear voice instructed, “Turn left.” My reflexes kicked in—green light, no pedestrians, no oncoming traffic. I flicked my turn signal on, rotated the wheel, and everything seemed so smooth. I was pondering over the navigation instructions I had followed. Alas! It was shown ‘No Service’ as the network comes intermittently. Could there have been an error in Google’s route? Soon I tapped the voice toggle to switch it to the ‘On’ position; I realized that we had lost the road. Upon checking the map, it showed straight lines.
But Google was showing another direction that I didn’t desire. It left me in a state of bewilderment, making me wonder. On the other hand, I was shocked to see such deplorable conditions on the roads when the road was filled with a unique death trap. The road then goes through a huge water body, and our car jolted on the bumpy road at Barangabari-Bechamari village. The muddy road was reduced to road waves and virtually became potholes. I suppose they’re only for local access. It wasn’t pleasant for my eyes. I drove carefully until the road became drivable. Had it rained that day, I would have stuck up. The bad roads added an hour extra to our final destination, Dhing, the place made famous after sprinter Hima Das made history by clinching gold at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championship. Despite her career in a blaze of glory, the expansion of highways is not clearly accelerating in her native place. How can I set Google to avoid unsuitable roads? Google Maps doesn’t have a built-in option to avoid dirt roads. I suppose printed road maps are more reliable than many navigation apps, especially when it comes to long road trips, especially in the neglected and treacherous terrains of the north-eastern part of the country, and there is no network coverage either. Amazingly, hilly areas are so messed up on Google Maps. If you’re not a local and are not familiar with the local roads and conditions, it’s always best to stay on major roads. Following GPS blindly may unfold an unpleasant surprise.
While returning, I pushed Google Maps aside, took help from the locals, and instead followed an alternative road. I chose the long route via Raha instead of another distant route, Bordua, where the National Highway is under construction following many incomplete bridges that come a short distance. We would appreciate it if the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways could give this their utmost consideration. The border areas are less developed, and their livelihoods are being neglected for various reasons, whatever that is. I have to send feedback and report the wrong direction in Google Maps. I hope Google can rectify it. After the awful hardships we endured recently, I vowed to do more searching for any place locally before I sit down for another drive. Google Maps isn’t to be trusted always; they might land you into difficulties. It may be one of the best navigation apps out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s always perfect. So next time you come across a pothole, remember that breaks are meant to be applied. Google made us upset when the road was not fit at all for a commute and the potholes were our worst. I was blissfully ignorant.
