What's the reason for Bengaluru's flyovers to get new traffic restrictions?

Bengaluru has come up with some new traffic regulations on some of the main elevated corridors and flyovers to enhance the safety and traffic flow on the roads.

The restrictions vary depending on the flyover type. Two-wheelers, autorickshaw's and goods vehicles are banned from running on the BGS Flyover, Peenya Elevated Corridor, International Airport Road Elevated Corridor and Double Decker Flyover. The rules came about as a result of accidents, congestion, vehicle breakdowns and flyover design being reviewed by the authorities.

Why the Restrictions?

Traffic police say that congestion on elevated roads can be caused by accidents -  especially by two-wheel vehicles - but also by slow moving goods vehicles and breakdowns. The restrictions have been tested to determine if traffic movement and safety increase.

The people who commute were concerned, however.

Two-wheelers and autorickshaws are a popular mode of transport for many people in Bengaluru, and the restrictions have made it more difficult for them to get around the city. Passengers have said that rerouting traffic would only be a matter of redirecting them from flyovers to ground-level streets.

This concern already has an impact on the policy. Authorities recently put the proposed two-wheeler restrictions on the KIA and Electronics City elevated corridors on hold, after observing congestion on alternative roads.

The Bigger Question

The flyover restrictions underline another big issue in Bengaluru – what can the city do at the road level to make its roads safer without just shifting the traffic from one road to another?

The congestion in Bengaluru can't be resolved with flyovers. This will require improvements in the provision of public transport, their safety on the roads, appropriate enforcement and smart traffic planning.

The objective should not just be to move motor vehicles faster but move the people safely and efficiently for Bengaluru.

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