Bengaluru marred by traffic jams

Opening of schools, offices increases vehicular movement

Pallavi Dubey | NT

The city witnessed traffic jams at various places on Monday morning as people rushed to board buses and trains from various railway stations in the city, including the Majestic area. On the other hand, hundreds of vehicles coming from neighbouring areas after Diwali holidays were seen stuck in heavy traffic near the Silk Board, St. Marks Circle, Richmond Circle and Mysuru Road.  

With schools and colleges resuming offline classes, there was traffic congestion in areas close to educational institutions.

“I am a resident of Electronics City and it was my first day of college. I also saw thousands of professionals commuting to firms such as Infosys, Philips and Wipro. From Outer Ring Road to St. Joseph’s college at Shanti Nagar, it took more than an hour,” said Varalika Tangar , a student.
Near many schools there was traffic jam caused by haphazard parking of vehicles, as many parents had come to drop or pick up their children. Some had even parked cars on the pavements and in front of gates, causing inconvenience to local residents. Such jams were rampant in areas located close to Bishop Cotton’s School and St. Joseph’s Boy’s school.

“Some of the people who had parked this way were also being abusive to the residents when being told to move their vehicles, so that the residents can get in and out of their driveway,” said a local resident.
As the night curfew has been lifted the city’s nightlife has become more active. Pubs and bars are now witnessing huge crowds.

Reacting to this, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, BR Ravikanthe Gowda, said there was bumper-to-bumper traffic in all the key areas of the city after the festival holidays. “Richmond Road, Residency Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Brigade Road too witnessed traffic jams apart from K.R. Circle, Old Madras Road, J.C. Road, Kempe Gowda Road for hours. But our traffic personnel handled the situation and ensured smooth traffic flow.”