Police divert buses on to flyover

Police divert buses on to flyover
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Following a report in City Express on Thursday about the hazards posed by heavy vehicles plying on the narrow stretch in front of National College, Basavangudi, police arrived in full strength in the morning, diverting BMTC buses on to the flyover.

Though the police have banned heavy vehicles from using the narrow road adjacent to the flyover, close to 200 BMTC buses and several private buses and trucks continue to flout the rule, ignoring the board fixed at the entrance of the flyover.

The buses pose a danger to students, including kindergarten children, who have to walk on a narrow pavement that can’t even accommodate two pedestrains. The police say they are short staffed and it is not possible to man the spot constantly.

“When our men need to move to another spot to attend to a problem, buses start violating the rule again. We plan to install height barriers, which prevent heavy vehicles from using the road,” said M.D. Hari, circle inspector, Basavangudi police station, who was overseeing the traffic arrangements.

He however said the department had not been allotted sufficient funds to install such equipment and sign boards.

“The police need to go with a begging bowl to private organisations for installing sign boards. We would like to put up these safety equipment but need contributions from organisations,” said Hari.

The police officer approached the manager of the Bank of Maharashtra on Uttaradi Mutt Road with a requirement for funds for the height barrier. Ajit Kishore, chief manager of the bank, said the bank would consider funding the structure.

“We have donated funds to the Basavangudi police previously during the renovation of the police station. Once we get a quotation for the proposed structure near the flyover, we can consider the idea,” Kishore said.

The roads around the flyover need several traffic sign boards. A few business establishments have provided ‘No parking’ boards on service roads. Uttaradi Mutt Road and Pampa Mahakavi Road need ‘no right turn’ boards.

The police also plan to shift the autorickshaw stand at the corner of Uttaradi Mutt Road since they say autorickshaws parked there are blocking the view of motorists approaching the flyover.