Traffic jams top grouse in constituency of contrasts

Traffic jams top grouse in constituency of contrasts

MLA Narendra Babu says he is aware of the problems plaguing the constituency and promises to ensure no further delay in underpass projects.
Deccan Herald

Nestled in the North-Western part of Bangalore, Rajajinagar Assembly constituency is a picture of contrasts. From the badly neglected industrial town to well-planned residential areas of Nandini Layout and Mahalakshmipura, from areas dominated by the rich and the elite to maddening chaos in the slums of Prakashnagar - one can find them all here.

An elected representative of this constituency should keep in mind these contrasts when it comes to deciding priorities. First time MLA N L Narendra Babu claims to have done just that. Having served as the councillor of various wards for 13 years, Mr Babu says he is aware of the problems plaguing the constituency.

Problems, in fact, are many with traffic congestion presently leading the list. There is chaos on Magadi Road, Rajkumar Road, and Rajajinagar Entrance all through the day - a result of the slow progress of work on the underpass projects at the Rajajinagar Entrance and Modi Hospital-West of Chord Road junction.

Both these projects have been bogged down by constant delays. Traffic diversion has led to confusion and traffic jams are common. Buses, vehicles and pedestrians have to fight their way through the narrow bylanes, being used as alternative roads, to reach their destination. For the residents of the locality, even crossing the road has become a nightmare. Mr Babu admits that the delay in completion of the projects is causing hardship. “I have already approached the BMP commissioner and met the contractors several times. I will strive to ensure that there are no further delays,” he promises.

Rajajinagar Industrial Town, a hub of small scale industries, located in the heart of the constituency, is facing a plethora of problems. Poor infrastructure, power shortage, bad roads have resulted in many small-scale units closing down. The units that have managed to survive are facing several problems and stiff competition from multinational corporations. Fed up with government apathy to their repeated pleas for better infrastructure, these industries are now looking at their newly elected MLA for help and keeping their fingers crossed.

Rajajinagar also has a large number of residential areas. Gayathrinagar, Subramanyanagar, Sri Ramamandira, Prakashnagar and Nandini Layout support thousands of families. The residents, by and large, are happy with the improved living conditions in their locality over the years. However, they still feel much more could be done. Pot-hole free roads, better sanitary facilities, proper underground drainage facilities, street lights top their list.

BABU BOL (RAJAJINAGAR)

Task forces on education, environment, sports, culture and infrastructure comprising experts and eminent personalities have been constituted. Individual long and short term plans for improvement in each of these sectors have been chalked out for the constituency.

Education has been given top priority as Rajajinagar is the learning hub of the city. Measures have been initiated to improve all the government schools in the locality.

New power projects at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore have been sanctioned to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Problems of Industrial Town discussed with Chief Minister N Dharam Singh and Industries Minister PGR Sindhia. A special package to improve infrastructure on the anvil.

Regular ward-wise public grievances meetings held.

Proposal submitted to education department to set up a government first grade college in the constituency.

VOTERS’ VOICE

Somashekar, manager, Megamart Fashion store: Work on the underpass at West of Chord Road-Modi Hospital junction is moving at a snail’s pace causing untold misery to residents. Traffic jams are common during peak hours.

A T Patil, chief executive officer, Diksoochi (Digital media) Pvt Limited: There is no thrust for commercial establishments. In fact, more kalyana mantapams are coming up in Rajajinagar industrial town than industries.

A N Sandhya, entrepreneur: Rajajinagar Industrial Town lacks proper roads, street lights and water supply making things difficult for industrialists to run their establishments. Garbage clearance is also very irregular.

Ravikumar, resident, Manjunathanagar: The condition of roads are very poor and have not been asphalted for years in Manjunathanagar. The MLA is accessible to the people.


REALITY CHECK
It is over six months since the coalition government assumed office in Karnataka and we are yet to have a full-fledged State Cabinet. Of the 16 Assembly segments in Bangalore, 11 are held by the Congress, one by the JD(S) and four by the BJP. Usually, MLAs come under media scrutiny just before and during elections.

But Deccan Herald, in a series, ‘Your MLA’s Semester’, will look at the performance of the legislators of the Bangalore region in the last six months and highlight the voters’ perceptions.

Do write to us, if you have anything to say of your MLA at No. 75, M G Road, Bangalore - 560001. or e-mail: editordh@deccanherald.co.in