Poor signage, lack of awareness leave Silk Board a messy junction

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Despite the double-deck flyover being opened to the public after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s ‘trial run’ last week, motorists still find themselves trapped in heavy traffic near the Central Silk Board, it was observed on Monday.

The 5.12-kilometre flyover, constructed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), runs from the Ragigudda Metro Station to the Central Silk Board.

It features five ramps: Ramp A connects Ragigudda to Hosur Road, Ramp B branches from Ramp A connecting Ragigudda to HSR Layout and Outer Ring Road, Ramp C originates at BTM Layout connecting both A and B, Ramp D runs above Ramp A and the Metro line connecting HSR Layout to Ragigudda, and Ramp E runs downwards connecting BTM Layout. Ramps D and E are yet under construction.

The flyover was opened only after repeated demands from citizens were heard, months after the civil works were completed. It still awaits a formal inauguration by both state and central governments. However, the objective to eliminate traffic at the junction remains elusive.

Motorists are still waiting at the signal, and despite the BMRCL commencing work on the surface road, motorists are taking U-turns near the Madiwala Flyover towards the HSR Layout.

“I was not aware of the ramps that will help avoid the signal,” said a BMTC conductor. After instructions from traffic cops, he assured them that the bus would use the ramp on the next trip.

“Signage for people to take the ramps is not clear and visible enough,” said a commuter who was forced to take a detour near Madiwala towards ORR.

“The names on the boards need to be much larger and clearer for commuters to use the ramps,” added an auto driver.

“Despite repeated announcements, many vehicles are ending up towards ORR,” said a traffic cop deployed near the Silk Board Bus Stop.

When asked about the lack of traffic policemen and the concerns over inadequate signage, the cop assured that these issues would be taken up with his superiors. Netizens have also observed similar traffic bottlenecks and pointed out that the flyover has only a few users so far.

“The biggest downside of the flyover is that it does not have an entry ramp from Jayadeva Hospital and Bannerghatta Road,” a user commented on X.

T Mahadeva, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic, South-East, assured that the signage would be made larger. “It is normal that people are taking the signal to cross the Silk Board. With Metro constructions commencing, we may see increased usage of the flyover soon,” he added.