Traffic police unprepared

Chaotic Sunday

On top of that, BJP leader L K Advani is going to be in Bangalore as a part of his cross-country yath ratra against corruption.

While ‘Metallica’ is going to perform at the Palace Grounds, Advani is scheduled to visit the National College Grounds in Basavanagudi. With political followers and rock enthusiasts from all four corners of Bangalore making a beeline for these two destinations, it isn’t difficult to envisage the condition of traffic on the roads on Sunday evening — complete chaos.

However, the traffic police don’t seem to be very bothered by this potential congestion. In fact, when Metrolife contacted them, they admitted that the route that Advani would be taking to the National College Grounds hadn’t even been finalised yet, and would be confirmed only on Friday evening.

B A Muthanna, DCP (East) Traffic, said that measures to curb traffic congestion could be taken up only after Advani’s route was confirmed. He said, “Advani’s route is still being finalised. It’s only after this that we can consider the issue of traffic.”

Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) T Suneel Kumar, added, “Although nothing is confirmed, it is possible that Advani will be travelling via the K R Market flyover and then to Basavanagudi.” When asked whether the traffic police had considered the traffic-related repercussions of two high-profile events taking place in the City on the same day, he replied, “The concert and Advani’s visit are at two completely different destinations. I don’t think we will face any problems regarding traffic.”