Flyover curbs add to traffic chaos in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Traffic Police's (BTP) restrictions on two-wheelers, autos and certain heavy vehicles using flyovers may be aimed at improving road safety, but they have added to confusion and travel time on some busy stretches..A DH reality check on Monday morning found motorists struggling with diversions, long queues on service roads and traffic police facing challenges enforcing the restrictions..At the Airport Road flyover, motorists said journeys that earlier took 10-15 minutes now take around 30 minutes during peak hours. Multiple signals and slow-moving traffic on the road below have added to the congestion..Traffic police personnel said managing diversions was challenging, with a breakdown on the lower road potentially taking 30 minutes to an hour to clear if a crane is required. Traffic was particularly heavy at Kodigehalli and Byatarayanapura, including near the Mall of Asia and Jakkur-GKVK signals..Riding to Bengaluru airport? Pileups, confusion as flyover curbs throw motorists off track."If people understand and follow it on their own, it will work. But if everyone comes and merges at once, it becomes difficult,' a traffic police official said..For regular commuters and auto drivers, the restrictions mean longer journeys..'The flyover restriction has increased my travel time from about 15 to 25 minutes. With metro construction narrowing the road, peak-hour congestion has worsened. Authorities must ensure proper diversions and advance signboards, especially given the proximity of major hospitals,' said regular commuter Harish..At Peenya, the impact appears less pronounced..Auto driver Manjunatha said local drivers rarely use the flyover unless heading towards Nelamangala. However, restrictions on goods vehicles, two-wheelers and autos could still push more traffic onto the road below during peak hours..Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the restrictions were being implemented on a pilot basis following concerns over two-wheeler accidents on flyovers.