A proposal by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) to make the roads safe for pedestrians and riders has hit a roadblock, with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) falling short of funds.
The traffic police submitted a detailed list, where it marked certain areas as dangerous for pedestrians, including children and senior citizens. It has asked the BBMP to build skywalks, underpasses and lay copper chains along the dividing lines to prevent pedestrians from crossing the roads.
The proposals contain names of areas, specific junctions and roads along with mentions of the work that needed to be carried out, illustrated by photographs.
The BTP also asked the Palike to put up traffic umbrellas and junctions at various places, while also wanting the civic body to plug the potholes, repair the roads without proper drains and fix the streetlights.
“We are in the process of vacating encroachments on footpaths in the entire city. This is supposed to be the BBMP’s job, but we are doing it. It will be of great help if the Palike takes over certain tasks pertaining to road safety,” said P Harishekaran, Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic.
The proposals may not immediately see the light of the day as the Palike struggles to muster the sums needed. “The government has given Rs 38 crore to carry out road and pedestrian safety measures. We may not have the funds to do everything that the Bengaluru Traffic Police has asked,” said a top BBMP official, requesting anonymity.
But the Palike is putting together an action plan to do whatever works it can with the available funds.