Dream city: Breathe easy, walk tall, travel fast...

Ranadip Ganguly,
Diamond Park

I wish that the police force pulls up its socks and does a better job this year. Despite improvement in many areas, the crime graph in the city is soaring, mainly due to corruption among the cops. A more active role by the police is the only way to rein in criminals.

Adrija Dey,
Address not given

In 2005, we should ensure that criminals, whether big or small, get punished. The certainty that there will be punishment is more important than its severity. If the criminals realise that they will eventually be punished, then the crime rate will definitely go down.

Kalyan Kumar Ghosh,
Nagerbazar

I want the Metro railway timings to be extended in 2005. If the trains run from 6 am to 11 pm every day, numerous people like me would be benefited.

Prasit Sen,
Hatiara

I want the government to set up ?pay and use? toilets all across the city this year. The shortage of toilets is a serious problem that is being neglected by the government for years. As a result, people are forced to relieve themselves in public. The problem is even more acute for women who have to stay outside home for a long time.

Naren Sen,
Santragachhi

The city boasts of multiplexes, flyovers and Metro railway but not adequate number of public urinals and toilets. Due to this, pedestrians are forced to relieve themselves in the open, which results in an obnoxious stench.

Prantik Sanyal,
SP Mukherjee Road

Good, thought-provoking as well as entertaining Bengali films, which can be enjoyed by all members of the family, should be made this year. And acclaimed Bengali filmmakers should make films only in Bengali to boost the Tollygunge industry.

Anuradha Raza,
Darga Road

One of the greatest drawbacks of the city is that political parties here still use bandhs as a medium of protest. This does not happen in any other part of the world. Calcutta would be a much better place to live in if that is stopped. The traffic situation should also be improved to make the city roads safer. Rash driving by unruly drivers have claimed hundreds of lives in the last few years. They should be disciplined.

Indranil Mukherjee,
Kidderpore

Our beloved city is in a transitory phase and is changing for the better. But the leaders must realise that to repair the tarnished image of Calcutta among businessmen, bandhs and rallies should be stopped immediately. The twin phenomenon has haunted us for far too long.

Rakhi Chakraborty,
Durgapur Lane

In 2005, I would like Calcuttans to be granted some common sense. No matter what the government does, problems will not cease to exist. But with more common sense,, people will at least deal with them better.

T.R. Anand,
Jadavpur

I wish for better road and rail infrastructure this year. The Park Street and Taratalla flyovers should be completed by the year-end. I also want Circular rail to start operations from Majerhat station and completion of the Metro?s extension project to Garia.

Kanai Saha,
Gauri Bari Lane

The condition of Calcutta roads is most alarming. Repair work should be started on a war-footing to minimise the number of accidents. Some important roads should widened wherever possible. A drive should also be undertaken against hawkers.

Neha Dokania,
Bangur Avenue

After multiplexes, shopping malls and educational institutions, Calcutta should now be blessed with clean, proper roads.

Suvrajit Saha,
Suresh Sarkar Road

Old buildings should be restored. The sidewalks should be lined with trees reflecting the colour of the season with beautiful blooms and spreading fragrance. Green, pruned hedges should be planted along the roads and in boulevards. Fountains should be installed at intersections.

Ronita Dutta,
Jadavpur

In monsoon, the low-lying areas in the city become a nightmare due to water-logging. I want all Calcutta roads to be usable, if not dry, in monsoon 2005.

Anil Kumar Sen,
Ram Chandra Chatterjee Lane

The river bank should be cleared to beautify the city. More parks like Millennium Park should be built on the entire stretch. Cleanliness should be made a part of the lives of the city residents before beautification plans are implemented.

Shyamal Hembram,
Bowbazar

I want to see technologically-advanced tramcars with aesthetically designed interiors running on upgraded tracks. Such tramcars, besides boosting tourism in the city, as well as in the state, will be something to be proud of.

Anjan Chatterjee,
Tollygunge

I would like Calcutta to have a large number of hi-tech, high-speed and luxurious trams, like those we see abroad. The entire tramways infrastructure, including the tracks, should be revamped before such vehicles are introduced. The tram coaches should be air-conditioned and should have comfortable seats and piped music. Not more than 10 people should be allowed to stand inside. One coach should be reserved for senior citizens.

Ahasan Jahir Molla,
Mahestala

High-speed trams, which the state government wants to introduce in Calcutta, would be a wonderful gift for the city in 2005. If it is introduced, Calcutta would be the first city in India to have such a mode of transport. Technologically enhanced trams would provide a much-needed breath of life to the tram company.

Rimli Datta,
Salt Lake

I want Calcutta to become a pollution-free city in 2005. It is unfortunate and alarming that Calcutta is the world's third-most polluted city. The media have highlighted how the people, especially the children, have been suffering because of the pollution. Noise pollution is another aspect of pollution which is not highlighted, but is just as damaging. My dream of living in a pollution-free city is perhaps not a practical one, but can't we at least take the initial steps towards that goal?

Satyen Biswas,
Behala

This year, I want to see a pollution-free Calcutta. The city should also be made more clean and green.

Debalina Bose,
Konnagar

Traffic jams are troublesome, not only for the residents of Calcutta but also for visitors. If the traffic police pay more attention to the non-VIP roads then we can get relief from the headache of jams.

Haralal Chakrabarty,
Arabinda Nagar

The traffic signals should be immediately synchronised to prevent vehicles from piling up at crossings. Also, pedestrians should be allowed to cross important road intersections only at zebra crossings.