Heavy vehicles not to be allowed into BTM Layout

Heavy vehicles not to be allowed into BTM Layout

The Hindu

`Once Jayadeva flyover is ready, they can use it'

# 29th Main is the widest road in the neighbourhood
# Residents blocked road as a mark of protest on March 25
# Additional Commissioner for Traffic inspects area on Tuesday
# Residents plan to meet Mahanagara Palike Commissioner

Bangalore: Their persistence and unified voice have paid off. Residents of BTM Layout can now look forward to an end for heavy vehicles traffic being diverted along 29th Main.

"Our troubles perhaps started because the 29th Main is the widest road in the neighbourhood. Once construction on the flyover near Jayadeva Cardiac Hospital began in 2003, all the traffic, including buses and trucks, were diverted through the layout,'' a resident said.

The residents had blocked the road as a mark of protest on March 25. The police persuaded them to lift the blockade that lasted for well over an hour. Though meetings with the residents were promised immediately, things did not work out well.

"Initially, the police were adamant that we just have to bear with the increased traffic as there were no other suitable roads. There is no other choice they insisted,'' the residents said.

At this stage, the various residents' associations together decided to call on the Additional Commissioner for Traffic M.N. Reddi and represented their case. Mr. Reddi reportedly promised them that he would pay a visit to the area and see the conditions for himself and take a decision. Following the disturbances in parts of the city, the inspection could happen only on Tuesday.

The residents explained that the regular movement of trucks, some trailers transporting shipping containers and others transporting cars from the North, had made their lives miserable. The noise, dust and exhaust fumes disturbed what was a quiet residential area and planned to be one. Accidents had become common and a truck fatally knocked down man in February.

"Mr. Reddi has now promised that once the Jayadeva flyover is completed and is ready for use, heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply on the 29th Main. Meanwhile, if the asphalting and repairs to Bannerghatta Road is completed, heavy vehicles could use it too,'' the residents said. They appreciated the "proactive and positive attitude shown by Mr. Reddi''.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (South) K. Ravindra Prasad and Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) M.A. Saleem were present.

For BTM Layout residents, another battle has to be won for now. Many of the trucks passing through their area transport sand for construction works and there is invariably some spilling on the road and later turning into mud after a rain. Bangalore Mahanagara Palike employees only carried out cursory cleaning, they said. They plan to meet the Commissioner of the Mahanagara Palike during this week.