Back but not the same

To each according to his ability. An auto makes a valiant attempt at social distancing by separating the driver and the passenger with a plastic sheet.

It was not an easy ride for commuters, some of who had no option but to pack themselves into a pick-up at Esplanade.

The Unlock 1 Opening Day Prize goes to these two young cousins who turned up at a shop to buy — an endangered activity since Covi-19 struck India. Rehan Ansari (above) and Tasmiya Naaz (below) wanted to buy a gift for Tasmiya’s father. Normality cannot return unless shoppers flock back to our shops.

The familiar tide of humanity was yet to take shape outside the landmark sweetshop but the turnout was a welcome change from the desolation that marked what was one of the busiest spots in Calcutta over two months ago.

Too few taxis and too many passengers ensured hard bargaining and, in some cases, “share services”.

Tasmiya Naaz

A shop in Gariahat opens on the first day of Unlock 1 and awaits customers who will be greeted with a sanitiser holder with a pedal that can be used to dispense the liquid without using hands. A temperature gun is also part of the reception tailored to the Covid combat. If customers return as usual, shops like these are expected to play a key role in changing sentiment and bringing the economy back on track.

The good old bicycle — neither encouraged nor a familiar sight in the heart of the city, certainly not during the evening peak hour — was a lifeline for many. Picture shows riders at Esplanade at 5.30pm on Monday. Cycles are banned on thoroughfares in this part of the city between 7am and 11pm. However, police are not prosecuting bicyclists now to ensure people can reach their destination in the absence of other modes of transport.

Often mocked for the rundown look and the garish colour code, the private bus in its new choosy avatar (no standing passengers, please) was a traffic-stopper for once. Not many could be spotted on the roads but those who strutted their stuff were much sought after.

Catching a bus meant punishing toil. Many commuters were seen running after buses, only to be told all seats had been taken.