Traffic goes nuts on a Manic Monday

Traffic goes nuts on a Manic Monday

Motorists get angry as road-blocks and route diversions delay them ON MG rOAD AND ADJACENT AREAS

Arunima Rajan. Bangalore



Another Metro snafu. Even as the traffic police announced diversions in traffic flow on account of Metro work, many Bangaloreans found themselves in a jam. Finding their regular routes blocked, they were left taking detours they were unprepared for, reaching schools or workplaces late on Monday morning.
It only shows that traffic changes on the city's main arteries must be publicised widely, notified in advance. Else, you have a Manic Monday on the streets. Roads were blocked at different points,
numerous traffic diversions were made. Kamraj Rd, Ulsoor Rd and Dickenson Rd found many motorists angry, after being informed of diversions.
Traffic in both directions was shut off at the Webbs Junction-Trinity Circle stretch, and motorists wishing to go to Airport Rd were forced to take a diversion at Mayo Hall and proceed via Garuda Mall and Hosmat Junction. Motorists were expected to take a diversion before Trinity Circle and enter Brunton Rd or Primrose Rd to reach MG Road.
There was chaos at Thiruvalluvar Statue Circle as well as Trinity Circle. Prominent red-and-white display boards informed motorists of the diversions. Their presence, however, did little to lessen the chaos on city roads.
Traffic flow was disrupted around 9 am, when many students and office-goers found the diversions had come into effect. "There was too much confusion in the morning. While some stretches near MG Rd were closed, others were not one way any more. Every one was trying to figure out which way to go. Travel time from Ulsoor to MG Road had drastically increased. The traffic congestion also led to inconvenience for office-goers. Even auto-drivers refused to ply on these roads, and started charging more," said Shalini Gunasekar, an account executive.
In order to avoid inconvenience, more traffic police were deployed in areas like Brunton Rd. "I did not know about the diversions and was surprised to see so many vehicles on Brunton Rd, an otherwise peaceful residential area. I come here on my morning walks, but it was impossible to walk in peace there on Monday morning. The buzz of traffic has ruined the calm of the area," said Zenobia Anthony, an IT professional.
These changes are expected to remain in effect for at least three months.