Delhi roads cater for almost all vehicle classes, ranging from chauffeur-driven cars to heavy truck, from a rickshaw to taxis and what not. All these contribute to a high density on roads and driving on Delhi roads during peak times (8:30-11:00 in the morning and 5:30 to 8:00 in the evening) may prove to be quite a nightmare for expats.

For this reason expats would be wise to keep a residence close to their offices. Delhi roads are well connected and nicely maintained, but the population in the city has soared drastically in the last 10 years. And with Gurgaon and Noida becoming office hubs, commuting distance on an average per person is minimum 50-60 km every day. Most companies provide their own cabs for employees for this reason, and also because these companies operate round-the-clock shift patterns..

Public Transport

Taxis and auto rickshaws are available in Delhi and fares are charged on a kilometre basis using an electronic meter. Pre-paid taxis and auto rickshaws are also available in selected areas like the bus terminals, airports and railway stations.

Tourist cars: There are a large number of chauffeur-driven 'tourist cars' (also air-conditioned) available in important tourist centres in India.

Delhi Metro has been the 21st century's gift to Delhiites. Delhi Metro now connects quite a few residential areas to office areas in Delhi. Metro's plan to connect to NCR has been approved and is expected to be completed by 2010. Metro is fully air-conditioned and is fast becoming the most preferred mode of transport. Visit http://www.delhimetrorail.com/index.htm for more information on Delhi Metro.

Buses operate on Delhi roads primarily between 0500 hrs and 2300 hrs. Buses are state-owned (DTC) and privately owned and each carries its route number. A few chartered buses also operate during office hours and school hours.

Private Transport

Cars are the preferred means of transport. One can get a Suzuki car starting from INR 2.5 lacs to a Mercedes for INR 35 lacs. Small sized cars, medium sized cars and high-end luxury cars are all available from Suzuki, Hyundai, Opel, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, Chevrolet etc. Road tax is payable as a one-off fee and toll tax or state entry taxes are paid wherever applicable. Wearing a seat belt is compulsory for front seat passengers.

Two-wheeler motorbikes and scooters can also be purchased. Expats have a real passion for Royal Enfield and Yamaha bikes. Wearing a helmet is compulsory for both the riders.

Documentation: A Carnet de Passage with full insurance and Green Cards are required by persons bringing their own vehicles into India. An International Driving Licence is recommended. A temporary licence to drive is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland Driving Licence. After getting Indian citizenship, one can apply for a permanent licence here.

Parking

Most of the residential areas have parking near houses. However, in newly-built society apartments, one has to pay some amount to get dedicated parking. When going to market areas, one must be careful not to park in 'NO PARKING' zones, else the vehicle will be towed away and the driver penalized. Parking rates vary from location to location and can be INR 10 per hour in Connaught Place to INR 10 per 8 hours in a shopping mall.

Delhi traffic rules are strict and amount to fines from INR 100 to 1000 for jumping a red light, speeding, failing pollution regulations or driving without a valid licence.

Traffic drives on the left.

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