Choking traffic: DVG Road in Bengaluru to turn one-way?

Bengaluru: A long pending proposal to convert DVG Road in Basavanagudi into a one-way lane is back on the table due to severe congestion and unregulated parking that choke the busy stretch linking Gandhi Bazar with Basavanagudi.The 40-foot-wide road currently allows parking of vehicles on both sides despite carrying two-way traffic. During peak hours, vehicles approaching from opposite ends are often unable to pass simultaneously, leading to long traffic snarls, blaring horns and mounting frustration. Footpaths remain encroached by vendors and food trucks, forcing pedestrians onto the main carriageway and compounding safety risks.
DCP (traffic south) Gopal Byakod acknowledged the constraints and indicated that structural changes may be necessary. "The road is a commercial road; Practically, even with one side parking, it is difficult to accommodate the vehicle flow. The solution to this issue is to make this one-way road. Initially, there was a similar proposal but it met with stiff opposition from the public. Now we are re-visiting the proposal and will soon consult the public," the DCP said.Residents while referring to a fatal accident six months ago on the stretch argued that lack of regulated parking and pedestrian space contributed to the tragedy. "The BTP removes parked vehicles temporarily, but within hours the situation returns to the same," allege residents, adding that repeated representations to authorities have yielded little change. "During peak hours, not even a single vehicle can pass if another vehicle comes from the opposite side. The honking is relentless. I wonder how people with blood pressure or heart issues manage this stress. Authorities failed to crack down on double-side parking. Being a regular commuter, I get stuck every day," said Jayatheertha KR, a resident.Highlighting the road's residential character, Satyalaxmi Rao, president of the Basavanagudi Ward No. 154 Residents Association, said: "It is less than 40 feet wide and, as per norms, cannot support heavy commercial activity and large vehicle parking. But the reality is the opposite. DVG Road has become notorious for traffic. I use both two- and four-wheelers, and it is always a scary ride. Even when ambulances try to pass with sirens, people are reluctant to move their vehicles."The Heritage Basavanagudi Residents Welfare Forum is also mulling to seek judicial intervention. "If the issue is not sorted out by the authorities, we will be forced to file a PIL before the high court," said Guruprasad Rotti K, secretary of the forum.