Through the last five days, The Hindu #Whatsyourissue campaign focussed on five issues that could help smoothen traffic movement in Bengaluru. We had highlighted the issues, along with feedback from our readers on specific areas and spots where construction work, random parking, unscientific U-turns, troublesome bus stops and lack of medians were causing painful and long traffic jams.
Following our reports and feedback to the authorities, some of these issues were addressed immediately. For instance, BMTC personnel were posted at spots where stopping buses to pick up or drop passengers was causing a problem; a U-turn on Old Airport Road was closed; towing of vehicles parked illegally was intensified and the BBMP is raising funds to construct medians.
However, there is a great need to ensure that long-term solutions are found and those that have been implemented are sustained over a period of time. This would require constant monitoring and a consistent engagement between citizen groups and the authorities.
In an attempt to create a platform to achieve these goals, as a first step, The Hindu has invited members of a few residents’ welfare associations to meet Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) R. Hitendra on Saturday at 4 p.m. Following this meeting, The Hindu will report the contents of the interaction, the solutions proposed and ways in which citizens could help the authorities.
Further to this, urban commute expert Sanjeev Dyamannanavar and traffic expert M.N. Sreehari will be joining The Hindu readers for a web chat on Saturday 6 p.m. to discuss the issues (http://bit.ly/2bD3Fjv).
In the coming week, The Hindu will focus on the effect of the quality of roads on traffic flow. In the following weeks, we will address several other issues, including garbage handling, lake and air pollution, safety of women and children.
Response from readersIt's great to know that our issues are being heard. Thank you
(@anoosha_R06)
Hey! A completely tremendous initiative, Chssokeful of Traffic, Sometimes it’s so bad
@Ankit Kapoor51
dude! Must join initiative, Parking on Brigade takes longer than shopping at Brigade
@yugantika01
Finding Solutions
Issues taken up | Bus halting before and after busy bridges * Badly designed U-turns * Lack of medians to enforce lane discipline * Vehicles parked on arterial roads
Impact: BMTC personnel posted at the start of K.R. Puram flyover * A U-turn on Old Airport Road near Manipal Hospital has been closed * BBMP seeks Rs.10 crore from State government to build medians * More towing vehicles deployed * Increased vigilance on the part of the traffic police
Web chat URL
http://bit.ly/2bD3Fjv
