Date:23/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/23/stories/2005092309720200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Planners not thinking of future needs: expert

Special Correspondent

`Traffic still managed piecemeal by policemen without any long-term strategy'

Expert's words
The BDA needs to have a traffic planning cell
Traffic management plans should taking into account future needs
Construction of large commercial complexes should be allowed only after the promoters take up traffic impact studies

The demolition of shops in basements has to continue as a punitive measure

BANGALORE: The Comprehensive Development Plan-2015 for Bangalore (CDP) leaves many unanswered questions in regard to traffic management, which has become the biggest issue in the city, says B.V. Anand, who has worked extensively in urban planning with international firms overseas.

Referring to complaints about poor roads voiced by the information technology industry, he points out that traffic is still managed piecemeal by policemen without any long-term strategy.

"The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) needs to have a traffic planning cell with qualified persons, such as the traffic cell which earlier operated under the Town Planning Authority," he says.

Traffic management plans need to cover short, medium and long-term issues, and in some ways, the planning has to consider future needs. The short-terms plans, he suggests, should include synchronised traffic signals, improved intersections, road repairs and pedestrian safety.

"The master plan should address the need to regulate traffic flow in commercial complexes with different entry and exit points, and some of the newer malls are examples,'' he says. The city planners do not seem to have taken into consideration the enormous traffic that will be generated once the UB City under construction on Vittal Mallya Road becomes operational.