Girl students, cars with tinted windows & pepper spray: unending tale of Chandigarh’s ‘geri route’
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Chandigarh's 'geri route' has become a site of intimidation for female students, characterized by slow-moving cars and harassment. Students report high stress levels while navigating the area outside college gates.
The Shadow Over Chandigarh’s Geri Route
For decades, Chandigarh’s 'geri route'—a stretch of road popular for leisurely drives—has been a cultural fixture of the city. However, as noted in recent reports by Khewa Malhotra, the reality for female students at institutions like MCM DAV College for Women is far from leisurely. What should be a routine commute has transformed into a high-stress environment, where the simple act of exiting campus gates is fraught with anxiety and the constant necessity of tactical avoidance.
The Anatomy of Intimidation
The phenomenon described centers on the persistent presence of men in slow-moving vehicles, including luxury sedans and modified SUVs, crawling along the campus perimeter. This 'parade' of vehicles creates an atmosphere of surveillance and discomfort, effectively reclaiming public space as a venue for intimidation rather than transit. For students, the street is no longer a public utility but a gauntlet that must be navigated with extreme caution.
A Shift in Urban Safety Dynamics
The stress reported by students, quantified at a level of '10 out of 10,' highlights a profound breakdown in the perceived safety of Chandigarh’s urban planning. While the city is often lauded for its grid structure and organized traffic, the 'geri route' culture exposes a loophole where vehicular presence is weaponized to exert social pressure. The use of tinted windows on these vehicles further complicates the situation, creating a sense of anonymity for the occupants while stripping students of their sense of security.
The Psychological Toll on Students
The psychological impact on students cannot be overstated. A first-year MA English student’s testimony reveals that the intimidation is not a singular event but an unending, daily reality. This constant state of 'avoidance' forces students to alter their behavior, timing, and routes just to reach their destination. This systematic restriction of movement serves as a form of social gatekeeping that disrupts the educational experience of young women in the city.
Broader Implications and Future Trends
This trend suggests a growing tension between traditional 'geri' culture and the evolving needs for safety and respect in public spaces. As Chandigarh grows, the disconnect between those who view the city’s roads as a social stage and those who require them for safe, unharassed transit will likely intensify. Future policy interventions may need to move beyond standard traffic regulation to address the underlying behavioral issues that allow this culture of intimidation to persist.
Conclusion
In summary, the situation outside MCM DAV College is a stark reminder that urban safety is not merely about traffic signals and road maintenance, but about the social climate of public spaces. The 'geri route' culture, once a benign social activity, has developed into a significant barrier for female students, necessitating urgent attention from local authorities to restore a sense of security and freedom of movement for all citizens.