The Hindu : Mixed reaction to one-way rule

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 03, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Mixed reaction to one-way rule

By Govind D. Belgaumkar

BANGALORE, MARCH 2. A majority of road users seem to favour the new one-way system introduced on Sunday in Ashoknagar.

Yet, on the first day of its introduction, people found the new rule confusing and many had to take a detour. Some were left wondering about the shortest way to their destinations under the new system.

Many motorists told The Hindu that the one-way rule was welcome. They were happy that the chaotic conditions at India Garage Circle and D'Souza Circle were finally getting due attention from traffic managers.

Avoiding an accident at India Garage was quite a task, said Vinay, an autorickshaw driver when asked about the new one-way on Lower Agaram Road. "Guddoke barta iddaru saar (other motorists would invariably come to hit you)," he said. Many vehicle-owners expressed similar views.

But Kumar, an engineer, found the one-way rule on the road unnecessary. "This is not good. We did not have much traffic on this road. They could have continued the two-way system here," he said.

Confronted with the people's views, the traffic police sub-inspector H.L. Rajan had this to say: "This was one of the problematic junctions. We used to make people wait for about 10 minutes because those turning to left, right, and going straight used to block one another." He said the new one-way rule was a total success.

Road users such as Syed Ulfat, coming from Shoolay Circle side towards their offices on Victoria Road are the worst hit. Mr. Ulfat has no other go but to take a detour of about 1.5 km. He will have to move towards Hosmat hospital and reach his office via India Garage Circle. But Mr. Ulfat did not complain. "I think this the price we have to pay for the increasing number of vehicles. One-ways are an order of the day. We have to accept them."

Those going from India Garage Circle to the corporate office of Indian Telephone Industries have to take a detour of 100 yards, while those going to Commiserate Road from Victoria Road should take a u-turn on Richmond Road under the new system.

Motorists proceeding towards St. Philomena's Hospital from Richmond Road have to take Commiserate Road and take a u-turn.

The police said traffic signals had been proposed at India Garage Circle and D'Souza Circle. Once they are put in place, "You will reach home after office hours at the exact time you promised your wife," a police officer said.

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