The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : He wants a stoppage-free ride for motorists

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Monday, Nov 10, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

He wants a stoppage-free ride for motorists

Raghava M.

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Innovative: M.N. Chandrashekarachar displaying his signal-free traffic models in Bangalore.

BANGALORE: Age has not deterred this retired government employee, who travels around Bangalore on his bicycle in search of solution to traffic woes.

His theme revolves around signal-free solutions and bring relief not only to motorists but also bicycle riders like him.

M.N. Chandrashekarachar, a retired Central Public Works Department employee, has prepared models for busy traffic intersections in the city such as Mehkri Circle and New BEL Road and C.V. Raman Road junction.

Smooth traffic

“I want motorists to move in any direction at intersection without stopping at a signal. Smooth traffic flow not only brings relief to motorists, but also to cyclists like me. It is not easy riding bicycle these days,” says Mr. Chandrashekarachar.

Showing the New BEL Road and C.V. Raman Road junctions, he says: “The rider going from the Mehkri Circle can take the flyover to go towards New BEL Road. The motorists coming from New BEL Road can take an underpass to go towards IISc and just take a left and go towards Mekhri Circle.” The models resemble a Western country — broad roads with well-illuminated road markings, intersections with flyovers and underpasses, and big signages indicating to motorists the directions.

Mr. Chandrashekarachar is not qualified technically, but has practical solutions for signal-free traffic movement. “We have not been using the roads properly. Many broad roads, including J.C. Road and Nrupatunga Road, are being wasted for one-way traffic movement. A combination of flyovers and underpasses can provide a smooth movement,” he claims.

Skill

This 66-year-old, who worked as a carpenter, has made good use of his skills. “This is my way of contributing towards the development of the city, where I have been living since 1970. There is no point in cribbing about traffic jams. You should give solutions to the government,” says Chandrashekarachar, who is known for playing roles of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri in public functions.

“It takes nearly a week to 10 days to come out with a model,” says Chandrashekarachar, who makes use of plywood pieces and waste material, including empty cracker boxes, and worn out car seat covers.

Next project

About his next project, “I am working on a solution for the Hudson Circle,” he says. Mr. Chandrashekarachar can be contacted at House No.810-8-1, 3rd Cross, Triveni Road, Yeshwantapur, Bangalore.

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