In the wake of the rumours of establishment of Citizen Forum and other favourable steps being taken  to hasten the CMC work, what has worried the people is the deafening silence maintained by the thinkers on the traffic regulation in the city.

Though the issue of traffic figure in public’s discussion no concrete form has evolved to set this right. If the Bangalore-Honnavar highway passing through the city is a major problem in the city, the traffic within the city is also no good. The important reasons for traffic problem in Tumkur is the increase in the autorikshas, two-wheelers and cars. As if this is not sufficient, the state transportation buses along with the private buses and cabs plying on the B H road is a added burden to the existing traffic woos.

Traffic flow

Controlling the traffic flow and managing the same is a important aspect in every city. But in Tumkur this has not been emphasised which is clearly visible in the  city’s traffic problem. For example there are only three circles where signal lights are installed like in Shivakumara swamiji circle, Town Hall circle and Kunigal circle.

Apart from these there are no signal lights installed elsewhere. In a big city like Tumkur there are many junctions and circles where many small and big roads meet where there are no signal lights. Though steps have been taken to solve these problems they are not sufficient.

Two-wheelers in the city have almost doubled in number in past two years. In no way behind are the autorikshaws which are also growing at a alarming rate. One of the main reason for this increase is the livelihood of the drivers attached to this. But what is causing the worry is the lack of awareness among the auto drivers.

The already choked traffic is worsened by these divers who stop the autos haphazardly and without any prior intimation at places. This has been a major complaint  by motorists and others  who insist that auto drivers at the least shouldn’t stop their vehicles suddenly. There is a necessity to make drivers aware of this.

Mute spectators

The ever increasing number of two-wheelers and auto’s has left the traffic police staff a mute spectator. The increase in vehicles is not coupled with the increase in the staff, as result of which even they are helpless. Along with this the existing main roads here are neither widened nor lengthened. The R T O officials are a rare sight in Tumkur. Even the police here has limited staff. These are the aspects which have contributed to the appaling state of traffic in the city.

Few traffic signals

Apart from the three circles where there are signal lights  police are clueless about the traffic control in areas like K R layout’s main road circle, Bhadramma circle, Gubbi gate, Batavadi circle (junction), Kytasandra circle and M G road where there are no signal lights . Public on the otherhand are caught in this traffic whirlpool and worried about how to reach their destination safe and sound.

In order to solve the traffic woes in the city the police and responsible people should arrive at a solution and education institutions and other association should come forward in arranging this dialogue, opined some motorists. Though a attempt like this has never been done earlier it has become a necessity now, since all almost all the young men and women in the city are in possession of a two wheeler situation is even more grave. The fate of pedestrians is no different in Tumkur.

Soul of City

B H Road is the soul of Tumkur. Literally life in Tumkur has evolved around this road where there are many banks, offices and all types of business transaction take place. Apart from few humps laid by the police,  there are no other means through which pedestrians can safely cross this road. The fate of the bicycle riders is no different.

The newly elected Municipal administration seems to be aware of this problem. The members irrespective of their party have identified the problems that affected the people during last the administration. Any sort of development in this modern context is near impossible in the absence of proper road and traffic facilities. The newly elected administration must keep this in mind, emphasised the citizens.

Water and electricity play a important role in development. Equally important are the tarred roads and  proper traffic system which are no doubt harbingers of the development. Will any concrete step be taken in this regard?