Bengaluru's newly inaugurated 10-lane road, stretching from Hebbal to the city's outskirts, is facing sharp criticism from traffic experts and residents who fear it may become a death trap. Despite being touted as a solution to congestion, the road's design lacks essential safety features, raising concerns about potential accidents.
Design Flaws and Missing Safety Features
The road, which aims to ease traffic flow, has been built without adequate pedestrian crossings, foot overbridges, or signalized intersections. Experts point out that the 10-lane width encourages high speeds, while the absence of barriers and proper lighting increases risks, especially at night. According to a traffic engineer quoted in the report, "The road is designed like a highway, but it passes through dense urban areas. This mismatch is a recipe for disaster."
Community and Official Reactions
Local residents have expressed alarm, noting that crossing the road is now nearly impossible. One resident said, "We have to risk our lives just to get to the other side. There are no zebra crossings or signals for kilometers." The Bengaluru Traffic Police have acknowledged the concerns but stated that measures like speed breakers and signage are being considered. However, critics argue that these are temporary fixes and that the road's fundamental design is flawed.
Statistics Highlighting the Danger
Data from the city's traffic police indicates that similar multi-lane roads in Bengaluru have seen a 30% increase in accidents within the first year of opening. If this trend holds, the new road could witness hundreds of crashes annually. The road's speed limit of 80 km/h is also deemed too high for an urban stretch, with many drivers likely to exceed it.
Call for Urgent Remedial Action
Urban planning experts have urged the government to immediately install pedestrian crossings, reduce speed limits, and add median barriers. They also recommend a review of the road's design to incorporate safety audits before more damage occurs. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has promised to address the issues but has not provided a timeline.
