Prepare roadmap on Bangalore's traffic needs for next two decades

The road widening plan initiated by the BBMP has run into problems for one simple reason. It is being implemented in isolation and is not part of a master plan for effective management and development of the city.

 The city managers hit upon the idea of road widening as an immediate reaction to road congestion and traffic pressure on certain roads. But has any long-term strategy for managing the city roads been formulated? Do our city planners have a vision keeping in mind the traffic needs of the city in, say, 2020?  

Agreed, road widening is imperative today but this decision needs to be made on a case-by-case basis after an exhaustive analysis of alternative strategies for dealing with traffic congestion.

BBMP ought to prepare a strategic plan on traffic management keeping in mind the projected increase in traffic over the next two decades. Urban planning experts believe that the strategy adopted to deal with traffic congestion will depend on a range of factors.

There cannot be a blanket strategy for the entire city.
In the recent past, the city administrators have favoured flyovers and ‘magic boxes’.  In some cases, this has resulted in smooth flow of traffic. The stretch of Bellary Road from Mekhri circle leading to the new airport is a clear case in point. The Hebbal flyover too has helped traffic to flow more smoothly at that crucial junction.

Yet, there are cases where the traffic flow on the flyover is much slower though less dense compared to the number of vehicles moving below the flyover. We have also set a record of sorts by having a flyover with a traffic signal.

All major cities across the world have adopted a rapid mass transport system to ease traffic pressure. Those living in mega cities invariably depend on public transport to commute. This may be the best solution for Bangalore too.

Yet another challenge of road widening is the nature of compensation to the property owners The BBMP has decided to issue transfer of development rights (TDR) rather than money. This is convenient for the BBMP but it must think of  ‘other costs’ as well. Will it be able to curb violation of building norms under the garb of assertion of development rights?

Further, since most of those whose lands have been taken may be owners of minor tracts of land or small shops, will they be able to make use of this provision?  

BBMP action in this regard needs to be preceded by a thorough planning and  clear roadmap of what they anticipate the traffic needs of the city to be over the next two decades.

— The writer is  pro-VC  of Jain University