Narrow roads lead to traffic problems in Bangalore

Nagavara is one of the localities of CV Raman Nagar ward that cry for the attention of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). It has the privilege of being adjacent to the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) complex and easily accessible from the Old Madras Road. It is one of the oldest localities of Bangalore.

However, the residents find it tough to use the main road. With vegetable and flower vendors occupying the footpath on both sides of the main road, especially at the entrance of the DRDO complex, the pedestrians have no other option but to walk on the road. It is tough for the smooth movement of vehicles during peak hours.

“We have never seen a traffic policeman regulating the traffic here. The BBMP authorities have also failed to evict the encroachers from the footpath,’’ said a resident on condition of anonymity.

According to residents, the frequency of vehicles was sparse till a few years ago, and now it has been increased due to the opening of malls at Benniganahalli and on Old Madras Road.

It is quite surprising to see many vendors occupying the footpath to carry out their business without any fear. The traffic police also find it difficult to regulate the traffic on that narrow road.

“I am of the opinion that the one and only solution is to make that road one-way for vehicular movement. The footpaths are too narrow and most of the people are from poor families and cannot afford to pay the penalty,’’ said Kavitha, circle inspector (traffic), Indiranagar division.

There is a private market complex that accommodates more than 50 shops that sell vegetables, groceries, and other things. The shopowners have to pay exorbitant rentals to landlords. “We have been incurring losses due to the vendors. We tried our best to evict them, but in vain. We are not getting any help from police and BBMP authorities,’’ said a shopowner.

The heaps of garbage generated from the market and an electric transformer put up by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) have also been preventing the pedestrians from walking on the footpaths. The residents now want the BBMP authorities to ensure the cleaning of garbage on a regular basis.

M Krishnappa, corporator, CV Raman Nagar Ward, said that the BBMP had a plan to widen the road. “The BBMP has a plan to shift vendors to Bhuvaneswari Nagar. It has made arrangements to cover open drain with concrete slabs for the benefit of vendors. They will be shifted to Bhuvaneswari Nagar shortly,’’ he said.

The corporator promised to direct the health department officials to clear the garbage regularly.