Not an end to traffic nightmares

Connecting the Kempegowda International Airport by Namma Metro may help flyers reach the airport soon but will definitely not end the traffic nightmares of commuters in north Bengaluru.

For residents of Thanisandra, Hegde Nagar and surrounding areas the announcement has brought hope but they take that with a pinch of salt. “Of course, it will save us from the traffic. But we are aware of delays in implementation of the project. We don't know how long this will take,” said Soumyashree Nayak, a resident of Thanisandra.

Karnataka Abhivruddi Mattu Anushtana Samiti president B M Devarajappa, who led over 12 resident welfare associations during the “Steel Flyover Beku” campaign, noted that while the government dropped the controversial project, no alternative has been provided.

“The Metro, when it comes, will cater to a few layouts and areas. By the time the project is completed, the number of vehicles will increase and there will be new layouts with more people. Residents of Hebbal, Sanjaynagar, Sahakaranagar, Kodigehalli and other areas can't depend on it,” he said.

C A Ramesh, a resident of Kempapura who has earlier spoken about the issue, said long-term traffic scenario should be considered while talking about the benefits of a project like Metro.

When asked about the proposed Sarjapur-Yelahanka and Silk Board-Hebbal Metro lines in Phase 3, he said, “It definitely benefits the public. But right now, there is a situation where ambulances get stuck in traffic that moves at less than 10 kmph at Yeshwantpur and Hebbal flyovers. The government needs to solve that,” he said.

He said the government should build tunnels and flyovers and come up with robust traffic policies before there is a crisis. “Things are already complicated. You can’t stop people from buying or using own vehicles. The government should bring long-term solutions before we reach a deadend,” he said.

The state government recently commissioned a feasibility study to build tunnels on four routes. One of the proposed tunnels -- the 6 km-tunnel from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal -- aims to end traffic woes of the north Bengaluru.

“Similar projects should be taken up to divert traffic near Esteem Mall where everything comes to halt as vehicles  from all directions try to take the main road,” Ramesh said.