COUNTER VIEW: People's car priced at Rs 1 lakh in the pipeline

The Tatas are setting up a plant in Kolkata to make a truly people's car priced at Rs 1 lakh. But it's a matter for concern rather than congratulation.
With pollution levels being what they are, with our roads already congested with vehicles, the prospect of more cars clogging up the place is scary.
Tata Motors will have to produce this car within Rs 70,000 or so for it to be priced at Rs 1 lakh in the market.Can such a low-cost car meet global emission and safety standards?
It will only add to the pollution and chaos in our cities. But there might not be too many takers for it. The people most likely to opt for this no-frills car will mainly be first-time buyers who want to graduate from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler.
A Rs 1 lakh car may be affordable for them. But will they be able to run it? With petrol at Rs 50 a litre, it's not just the one-time investment they have to think about but the recurring cost.
This is bound to be a deterrent. The concept of a 'people's car' is based on the assumption that a car is a necessity for modern-day life.
But at this stage in our development there are several things that need to be made accessible to people before personal transport. For a country where millions go to bed hungry and have no roof over their heads a car is still a luxury.
We need technology more relevant to our economic status. A people's car is not the answer to our commuting woes. The problem can be far better addressed by an affordable and efficient mass rapid transport system which can be accessed from all parts of the city.
The Delhi Metro has been a boon not just for commuter but has transformed business in the city making easily accessible places one had only heard of.
Kolkata's experience has been no less encouraging, Mumbai too is to get a metro soon. Why drive when you can get to your destination in air-conditioned comfort faster?