BENGALURU:The good response to the ‘reversible’ one-way traffic system, introduced on a busy road in Electronics City, has encouraged the traffic police to replicate the model in other parts of the city.
In this new model, traffic on some major roads flows one-way towards busy areas in the morning, especially peak hours. The direction is reversed in the evening. Thus the traffic flow changes according to the convenience of commuters.
At present, there are 193 one-ways in the city. This model has been proposed for several busy roads in the central business district (CBD). According to M A Saleem, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), the one-way model was implemented on a 1.5-km stretch in Electronics City for techies and other working professionals to commute to and from office.
In Bengaluru, there is a need to have more such one-way roads in CBD areas like Richmond Town, and busy parts like Koramangala and Shanthinagar, he said. However, traffic management expert Prof M N Sreehari has advised caution, saying there should be a scientific analysis before implementing this model.
“In Malleswaram, there are more number of one-ways, but not many use these. This will not help. We should not just concentrate on making one-way roads, but also see how they will help the public commute with more ease,” he said.
Commuter Speaks
Gururaj Poshettihalli, an employee at an event management company who commutes on his two-wheeler, prefers two-ways. “We take both directions as we commute. One-way is not efficient and can be problematic,” he said.
Another motorist Prem is also of the opinion that one-way is not always better. “If we take a one-way unknowingly, we will end up paying a penalty. Two-ways are ideal,” he said.