The Deccan Chronicle 03.11.2010
City’s intersections to be developed on PPP model
Nov. 2: Around a hundred junctions in the city have been identified by town planners in association with BBMP, as areas in need of improvement. These improvements will include initiatives for pedestrian safety, modern signage and a change in the road geometry.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Vivek Menon, advisor to the state government on infrastructure issues, said: “We are in the process of identifying important junctions where we can bring about changes which will benefit the commuters as well as pedestrians. In our bid to mend and beautify the junctions, we will partner with private investors and build model roads with cobbled sidewalks and benches for the comfort of pedestrians.”
The biggest success story is the Vittala Mallya junction. About a year ago, Vittala Mallya Junction was among the worst in the city. The road was dotted with potholes, it would get flooded during monsoons and traffic jams were common. The stretch was lined with an almost non-existent pavement for pedestrians. These features did not compliment the upscale stores and high-end restaurants located around this junction.
But the intervention of private investors and months of construction work has finally resulted in a model road, with attractive cobbled sidewalks and benches for strollers to rest.
Now, along the lines of Vittal Mallya Junction, there are plans for other city intersections too, which include decongestion of important roads. The first junction targeted for refurbishing is the one at Brigade Road, where the pavements and pedestrian facilities leave a lot to be desired.
A number of Real Estate developers have showed interest and civic agencies are in the process of structuring the project. “Brigade Road junction will be the first one to be taken up, in around a month’s time. Several government agencies will be involved in the effort to develop this junction. Most of these junctions lack the right geometry, which leads to traffic issues. Junctions will be standardized for pedestrian as well as traffic movement. Intersections will be aesthetically planned, to last for 10- 15 years,” said Mr. Vivek Menon.
“Traffic signage in the city is often not in an optimum position, making it difficult at many junctions for motorists to gauge the changing lights. With the increasing number of infrastructure projects, the signage locations change often,” pointed out a traffic expert.
