Evolve flexi-timings for schools, industries: Karnataka High Court tells govt

The state government should revisit the timings for schools and industrial establishments and evolve flexi-timings by consulting the stakeholders, the Karnataka High Court has suggested.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit made this suggestion on Tuesday after considering the government’s affidavit on measures taken to ease traffic congestion.

The affidavit was filed in connection with the PIL relating to widening of Ballari Road.

“The state government, through the secretary of School Education and Higher Education may call a meeting of the stakeholders such as representatives of private institutions, government institutions, school bus operators, and the body of parents’ associations. It may take up the issue of revising the school timings so as to ease traffic and at the same time consider the aspect of security and safety of children,” the bench said.

The court further said, “On similar lines, the secretary, Industries and Labour, may call meetings of stakeholders’ representatives of association of industries, factories or alike units, industrial organisations, chamber of commerce, and may discuss revisiting the working hours of these industrial units, factories, commercials, companies, etc. The stakeholders may also provide suggestions of either flexi hours of working or any other suggestions for ease of traffic and reduction of burden of vehicles plying on the roads during the peak hours.”

The court asked the state government to submit a further status report on the steps already initiated for easing vehicular movement and also by considering the directions/suggestions.

In its affidavit, the state government stated that the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) had taken certain measures to ease traffic congestion between Basaveshwara Junction and Esteem Mall, including stopping the movement of all types of goods vehicles from Sadahalli Junction to Hebbal Junction during peak hours.

The traffic police said after the measures were put in place, travel time between Esteem Mall and Basaveshwara Junction has been reduced by 35 per cent.

The state government has also stated that action will be taken to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the 37-km Metro Phase 3A line, connecting Sarjapura and Hebbala via Agara, Koramangala, and Dairy Circle.