Comprehensive plan for traffic control ready

Comprehensive plan for traffic control ready

The Hindu

2010 fixed as the target year to put the system in place

# A multi-pronged approach to regulate and monitor road traffic in the city
# Total project cost estimated at Rs. 350 crores
# Area traffic control systems proposed at 350 intersections

BANGALORE: To address the issues of traffic congestion caused by the spiralling vehicular growth in the city and tackle safety-related problems, the city police, along with the Urban Development Department, have envisaged a unique "Bangalore Traffic Improvement Project BTRAC 2010."

Said to be first of its kind in the country, the project will use the latest traffic management technology and techniques. "This will give the much needed scope for large infrastructure projects to be planned and implemented for improving the transportation system in Bangalore city," said a project official.

The project will have the twin objectives of easing congestion and preventing road accidents. The operational objectives will be to reduce traffic congestion by 30 per cent in the central area of the city, bring down accidents by 30 per cent in the city, achieve significant reduction in pollution, achieve substantial compliance of traffic laws and rules and to set up an effective trauma care system.

Here are the institutional objectives: Coordinated traffic management by developing mechanisms such as traffic task force, road safety committee and traffic action committee; a robust revenue model (traffic funds to pay for traffic management infrastructure and maintenance); legal and institutional reforms; capacity building (modernisation and upgradation of traffic training institute); strengthening of traffic police by augmenting officers and staff; construction of buildings and provision of modern communication and mobility.

Strategy

As the proposed strategy of BTRAC 2010 goes, the city's roads will be categorised under concentric zones starting with a central area, core ring road, radial corridors, intermediate ring road, outer ring road and peripheral ring road.

The central area will have area traffic control systems, one ways, dedicated bus lanes, no-autorickshaw zones, "no on-street parking" zones, access restriction and even toll roads.

The core ring road will feature 30 steel overpasses (small flyovers) while the Intermediate Ring Road will have grade separators similar to those on Outer Ring Road.

The project cost is estimated to be about Rs. 350 crores.

This will include Rs. 30 crores for junction improvements, Rs. 100 crores for street furniture and road marking, Rs. 150 crores for intelligent transport system including Area Traffic Controls (ATCs) in 250 intersections, Rs. 50 crores for surveillance, monitoring and enforcement cameras and Rs. 20 crores for education and training.