Byatarayanapura: On-road parking and lack of pedestrian infra lead to multiple problems

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In the heart of Byatarayanapura Ward 7, where the energy of a bustling city surrounds, residents are grappling with pressing issues that demand immediate attention.

Despite boasting a mix of government and private schools, the ward faces challenges like on-road parking chaos, crumbling infrastructure, and the constant threat of flooding in lowlying areas.

The educational institutes in Byatarayanapura Ward 7 attract a lot of traffic, especially during busy hours. On-road parking has become a significant problem because there aren't enough designated parking areas, forcing vehicles onto sidewalks and main roads.

This creates a dangerous situation for pedestrians, especially students who have to navigate through a maze of cars and two-wheelers just to reach their schools.

The problem is worsened by the increasing number of students using bicycles and buses, adding to the congestion. Narrow streets become bottlenecks, making the situation even more precarious.

The lack of a proper parking plan not only disrupts traffic flow but also poses a constant danger to pedestrians, particularly school children.

A class 8 student, who commutes daily on her bicycle with her younger brother, expressed, "Typically, there is so much traffic in the mornings, with cars parked on the road alongside school buses and vans. Despite my efforts to leave home early, I find myself assisting my single-working mother and getting my brother ready, often resulting in delays in starting from home and ending up standing outside the classroom during attendance. I am not the only one facing difficulties in reaching school due to this traffic," she added.

Adding to the challenges are damaged sidewalks and a lack of clear signs, making it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the area safely. The combination of on-road parking and inadequate infrastructure creates a challenging environment for pedestrians.

A pedestrian shared, "To maximise interior space, many homes lack sufficient parking, leading residents to permanently park their vehicles on both sides of the road."

He further explained, "If two buses happen to arrive on the same street simultaneously, it takes at least 15 minutes just to navigate a way through."

Expanding on his observation, his niece added a touch of humour, saying, "It's like every bus in this area needs to do a magical squeeze, as they do in those Harry Potter movies, just to pass through these narrow streets.”

In addition to grappling with the challenges of traffic congestion and compromised pedestrian safety is also an issue—low-lying areas are susceptible to flooding.

When heavy rainfall occurs, the residents find themselves under the constant threat of floods. The low-lying nature of certain areas within the ward makes them particularly vulnerable to inundation during periods of intense rainfall.

Floodwaters can damage homes, infrastructure, and personal belongings, leading to significant economic losses for the residents. Furthermore, the disruption caused by floods extends beyond material damages, impacting the dayto-day activities of the community members.

The aftermath of flooding often includes challenges such as contaminated water sources, increased risk of waterborne diseases, and the potential displacement of families.

The threat of flooding not only endangers the physical structures and possessions of the residents but also jeopardizes their health and overall quality of life.