JOIN USTraffic violations aplenty here
That’s what happens everyday on Gubbi Thotadappa Road, between Shanthala Circle and Khoday’s Circle in Majestic.
Ironically, a majority of the vehicles stop to pick up passengers, right in front of a board (facing the exit points for BMTC and KSRTC buses in the bus stand) that says that the same is barred and violation attracts penalty.
The practice can prove disastrous for road users, say many of the passengers. According to owners of shops on the road, early mornings and late evenings are more chaotic than other times. This is because, while the buses and autos stop for a few minutes to pick up passengers, other vehicles move at breakneck speed.
The police had displayed the boards as a last-ditch effort, having failed to make drivers fall in line. The fact that there is no longer a traffic policeman stationed on the stretch in front of the City railway station, has only encouraged drivers to indulge in the dangerous practice in a bid to make a fast buck.
A few KSRTC drivers told Deccan Herald that they stop the buses at the instance of some passengers, who otherwise abuse them. There is also the ‘humanitarian’ factor, as some passengers carrying heavy luggage find it difficult to take the subway and walk all the way to the KSRTC bus stand to catch their buses.
Flagging down buses and getting into them is an easier option also for those passengers who alight at this point and take the BMTC buses to their destinations, instead of going to the bus stand.
But there is definitely the competition angle, admitted a few other drivers. BMTC drivers said they ply on Gubbi Thotadappa Road to reach Balepet. The next stop is only on Balepet Road (after the Okalipuram stop). Hence, drivers oblige passengers who want to alight at this point.
The Chickpet traffic police, on their part, say they are not aware of such violations. This, when there are policemen stationed at the Shanthala junction. They say they only warn the drivers. While drivers said that the police are not strict enough to book errant drivers, police say they are ‘liberal’ only during early mornings and late evenings.
A few bus drivers also allege that auto drivers have struck a deal with the traffic cops, for the few bucks more they can earn by picking up passengers at this point. Records available with Deccan Herald strengthen the allegations.
Police have booked only 10 BMTC drivers and 15 KSRTC drivers from January to October-end. The fine amount collected in these 25 cases is just Rs 2,500. West division traffic ACP Chandrashekhar told this newspaper he would look into the matter and direct the Chickpet police to take stringent action against errant drivers.