It's raining traffic jams in City

It's raining traffic jams in City
D H News Service, Bangalore:
The worst affected areas Cubbon Road, Commercial Street and M G Road saw bumper-to-bumper movement of vehicles as cops stood by helplessly after trying every trick in their book to bring some sanity...


The drizzle that turned into a downpour in the evening on Thursday resulted in clogged roads and endless traffic snarls in the central business district (CBD) of the City.

The worst affected areas — Cubbon Road, Commercial Street and M G Road — saw bumper-to-bumper movement of vehicles as cops stood by helplessly after trying every trick in their book to bring some sanity.

Adding to the chaos, scores of evening shoppers and working professionals had to wait endlessly at pre-paid auto stands as drivers either refused to ply or demanded ransom rates.

Making hay

Home-bound Megha, an investment advisor, narrated her tale of woes as she waited for an auto at the empty pre-paid counter on M G Road. “I have been waiting for an auto to go to Malleswaram for close to 40 minutes.

The few auto-drivers who agree to come shamelessly demand exorbitant amounts. With cops not cooperating and the rain gods not relenting, what should people do,” she asked.

Rajiv M, a student, pointed out the failure of the law enforcement machinery. “What is the point in having a cop at the counter if he’s of no help. Auto wallas aren’t afraid of the law,” he said.

The policeman at the pre-paid auto counter at M G Road did not offer any positive response when queried.

“Autos avoid entering M G Road to evade the counter. Rains add to the misery. There’s nothing much we can do,” he said.

Police advice

K C Ramamurthy, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) said: “The rains and the festival crowd add to traffic jams. Apart from the CBD and Kempegowda Road, we have received complaints from Oaklipuram, where there was water-logging at the underpass, resulting in the slow movement of traffic.”

He advised commuters who have been victims of auto drivers refusing to go on hire or charging more than metre fare to note down their number and inform the control room at 22943131. “We will take action by issuing a fine challan through the automated centre,” he said.