[sustran] 'Metro Will Not Reduce Traffic Congestion'

[Vinay Baindur]

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Metro-Will-Not-Reduce-Traffic-Congestion/2016/04/26/article3399941.ece





'Metro Will Not Reduce Traffic Congestion'

By Express News Service

Published: 26th April 2016 07:29 AM

Last Updated: 26th April 2016 07:33 AM
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   - [image: Vidhana Soudha Metro station | pushkar v]
   Vidhana Soudha Metro station | pushkar v

The new Metro line, which the public hopes will reduce their travel time
and stress induced by travel, is unlikely to make much of a difference to
the traffic on the road at this point, according to a traffic personnel.

While a large number of commuters are definitely going to benefit from the
service, at this point, it would be too early to expect the road traffic to
be reduced, a traffic police official who spoke to Express said.

A senior official said there is a flaw in the basic design of the route.
“The Metro route passes only through selective points. It does not cover
all the roads used by the commuters. For instance, the Okalipuram junction
is choked with traffic. However, the line does not pass this area. Hence,
the traffic is unlikely to change on this route.”

“My personal opinion is that the railway line should serve the purpose of
regular commuters on the heavily crowded routes. I think as of now, the new
line will also become a tourist show piece. I have tried travelling by
Metro several times and it has been my observation that not many regular
commuters use it. The attraction is more for children and tourists,” he
added.

However, one of the traffic constables in Bengaluru South was more
optimistic about it. “The Nayandahalli junction has always been a challenge
for traffic management always. With the Metro, not just regular commuters,
even school children will find it helpful as there are many schools in the
locality. It is also a safe option for them to travel by Metro,” he said.