Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110553200300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

JNNURM funds to be sought for traffic management

Staff Correspondent

Police to submit proposal to MCC

‘Rs. 318 crore can be used for the purpose’
‘Make study of traffic before installing signals’

MYSORE: The city police are expected to seek a share offunds allocated under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to improve traffic management.

This assurance was given by Police Commissioner S. Parashivamurthy at a meeting with members of the Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM) and senior citizens on Monday.

Speaking to The Hindu on Tuesday, Dr. Parashivamurthy said that the police would spare no efforts to secure funds for traffic management if there was such a provision under the JNNURM.

The police will have to submit a project proposal in coordination with the Mysore City Corporation (MCC), which is the nodal agency for implementation of projects under the JNNURM.

ACICM convener M. Lakshmana said that the police were not even aware that JNNURM funds could be utilised for traffic management. “They were surprised when we brought it to their notice,” Mr. Lakshmana said.

During the meeting on Monday, the ACICM members presented a case study of JNNURM projects in Nagpur, where traffic management had been revamped.

Mr. Lakshmana said there was a provision for funds up to Rs. 318 crore to be utilised under the JNNURM for improving the traffic management system.

“Out of an outlay of Rs. 428 crore under the JNNURM for development of basic infrastructure in the city, a total of Rs. 110 crore is being used for constructing and renovating bus-stands. The remaining Rs. 318 crore can be used for improving the traffic management system,” Mr. Lakshmana said.

Making suggestions on improving the traffic system in Mysore, Mr. Lakshmana said there was a need to digitally control the nine traffic signals on Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road to facilitate smooth flow of traffic.

He emphasised the need for the police to carry out a study of traffic at a particular junction before installing traffic signals.

Mr. Lakshmana also brought to the notice of the police that the road blocks put up during festivals and functions hindered the flow of traffic and caused inconvenience to the public.

The ACICM also complained to the police about the presence of “unscientific” speed humps in various parts of the city.

Mr. Lakshmana also told the police that a large number trucks were parked for 24 hours on Jodi Tenginamara Road. “The parking of trucks in such a manner has led to accidents on several occasions,” he said.