Challenges mount in Shivajinagar: Shopkeepers call for improvement

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Shivajinagar Ward 92 is one of Bengaluru's most vibrant commercial and residential areas. It houses a mix of small-scale industries, wholesalers, retail shops and educational institutions, making it a hub of activity throughout the day. The ward also reflects Bengaluru's cosmopolitan spirit with its diverse religious institutions like mosques, temples and churches. The area boasts of good connectivity with the rest of the city through a network of roads and public transportation, attracting shoppers, business owners and residents alike.

The problem at hand: However, this bustling atmosphere has come at a cost. Increasing traffic, pollution, poor waste management and overburdened infrastructure are just a few of the challenges plaguing the ward. While full of life, the streets of Shivajinagar are also congested, making day-to-day activities stressful for pedestrians, shopkeepers and residents alike.

The consequences: Traffic congestion is perhaps the most pressing issue faced by Shivajinagar. Narrow roads, combined with a growing number of vehicles, cause bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours. Pedestrians navigating these crowded streets often feel overwhelmed. One pedestrian shared, "It is hard to even walk here without bumping into people or dodging vehicles. Sometimes I worry about my safety." Shopkeepers, on the other hand, have a mixed view of the traffic. Some benefit from the heavy footfall, while others find the situation frustrating. A shop owner who runs a garment store, shares, "The traffic brings customers, but it also makes the experience unpleasant. People hesitate to spend too much time here because parking is a nightmare.

I often see potential customers leave because they couldn't find a place to park or even stand." “Parking issues are a constant headache.” said another resident. With inadequate parking facilities, both shop owners and visitors struggle to find spots. He further shared, "Despite designated paid parking spaces in some parts of the ward, people still tend to park in any space they find, which leads to several other issues.” Waste management is another significant problem. Overflowing garbage bins and littering have become common sights in the ward. The high volume of commercial activity produces significant waste, but the existing infrastructure struggles to cope. "The waste piles up and it creates a terrible smell. It’s bad for business," laments Shabana, who runs a bakery in the area. Additionally, waterlogging during heavy rainfall is a persistent problem, as the ward's drainage systems are inadequate. This often exacerbates the traffic situation and creates unhygienic conditions. In addition to these woes, the lack of public toilets poses a severe inconvenience, especially for women working in and around the shopping area. Many female shop employees and visitors find it difficult to access clean and safe toilets. A woman who works at a jewellery shop, explains, "There are very few public toilets and the ones that are available are in poor condition. It’s uncomfortable for women who spend long hours here."

Recommendations for improvement: To address the challenges in Shivajinagar, shopkeepers and residents suggest several improvements. Expanding roads and creating pedestrian zones could reduce congestion while establishing multi-level parking complexes would ease parking difficulties. Improved waste management, including more garbage bins and stricter regulations, is essential for cleanliness. Speaking to News Trail, a traffic cop deployed on duty said, “The area sees 10 times more footfall than what it is made for, with everyone coming in their vehicle, throwing their garbage and so on. If people are more mindful, it will be easier to handle the situation.”