Rise in bus traffic irks Malleswaram residents

Rise in bus traffic irks Malleswaram residents
The Times of India

Bangalore: The Malleswaram grade separator may well be the solution to traffic congestion in the bustling area in the near future. But, its construction, which is likely to take eight months, has not come without its share of problems.
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses coming from Tumkur Road, Jalahalli and Yeshwantapur bound for Kempe Gowda Bus Stand, Shivajinagar and K R Market, which previously used to ply on Sampige road, have been diverted to 4th main road. This area, which previously faced minimal BMTC traffic, now suddenly sees a surge of buses of 160 schedules — not a welcome change for the residents.
What makes matters worse, is that there are five schools on this road. “In the morning, particularly between 9 and 10 am, it’s a complete chaos. There are parents dropping their children to school as well as children who come in autorickshaws and buses and one never knows what can happen,” says Sonika Gupta, whose two-year-old daughter studies at Kreeda Ranga Play Home on the road.
Other educational institutions in the area are Hymamshu Jyoti Kala Peetha, B P Indian School, Bangalore Education Society School and Girls’ Pre-University College.
“It’s not just the morning rush hour, but even in the afternoon and evening it is dangerous as children aren’t always careful. Young children are particularly vulnerable to accidents,” says a principal of one of the schools.
The residents of the area are upset that neither they nor the schools were consulted before this change was made.
BMTC chief traffic manager (operations) Dastagir Sharieff says, “We’re merely following instructions from the traffic police. If we’re asked to change our path to suit citizens’ convenience, we will gladly do so.”
The traffic police, however, feel this is a temporary setback that has to be endured till the grade separator is ready. “However, we could build beakers and put up sign boards. If the need arises, we could also divert extra traffic during rush hour to ensure the safety of children,” says DCP traffic (west) Rama Subba.
With Sampige Road blocked out, the traffic police is left only with Margosa Road, 4th main road and 8th main road and cannot divert traffic from the road in question. “We cannot shift all the 4th Main Road traffic to 8th Main, as that road too has its share of bus inflow,” Subba explains. The residents are also considering approaching Scouts and Guides or volunteers to monitor traffic near schools during the mornings and afternoons. “The schools themselves can ask senior students to control traffic,” suggests a resident.