Route-optimising apps often divert traffic onto narrow inner roads, ignoring their limited capacity.
Credit: DH FILE PHOTO
Bengaluru: Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze have made quiet residential areas congested, frustrating residents.
Locals say the apps ignore road width, parking, and pedestrians.
In Malleswaram, resident Rohini S described how shortcut traffic changed her street. "It's impossible to step out during peak hours. The constant honking and dust are unbearable," she said.
These apps, built to optimise routes, often send traffic onto small inner roads, disregarding their capacity and infrastructure. "We aren't against technology, but we need a balance between convenience and quality of life," Rohini said.
Rohit Kumar, a software engineer, suggests linking navigation apps to city traffic systems. "It's a solvable problem. We just need collaboration and willingness to adapt". He proposes API integration so city systems can send real-time data and diversion orders to apps, influencing routes.
Arun, a shop owner near Bovipalya in Mahalakshmi Layout, said the apps save five minutes for outsiders, but are a headache for locals: "During peak hours, it takes me 20 minutes just to get out of our narrow locality road."
A senior traffic police officer told DH, "Navigation apps are useful, but they don't reflect on-the-ground conditions. We need real-time integration with city traffic signals to prevent congestion."
The officer also said talks with navigation app officials took place a month ago to integrate the BTP’s Astram app for real-time updates, which he believes will be implemented soon.