City Police's temporary fix eases traffic woes at busy junction

The City Police have implemented a temporary solution to alleviate the frequent traffic congestion at the busy Kempegowda Circle junction, located near Manipal Hospital on the bustling Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway Ring Road. The Narasimharaja (NR) Traffic Police, responsible for the area, have initiated a widening project for the Circle. They have employed cranes to remove and reinstall the signal light poles, relocating them approximately 10 feet away from their previous positions. Additionally, the length of the medians leading to the Circle from all four sides has been reduced to allow four to five vehicles to pass at a time. This measure aims to reduce the time it takes for vehicles to traverse the junction, particularly during peak hours. The Mysuru Outer Ring Road, spanning 42.5 kilometers, connects various roads such as Bengaluru Road, Bannur Road, T Narasipur Road, Nanjangud Road, and Hunsur Road. This route encompasses several intersections, with the Mysuru-Bengaluru Road junction being the busiest of them all. Sources indicate that the police's actions serve as a temporary fix, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed the construction of a flyover at the Manipal Hospital junction. This long-term solution aims to address the traffic bottlenecks, considering that the junction serves as both an entry and exit point for Mysuru. It is a common sight to witness long queues of vehicles extending from both sides—Mysuru (exit point) and Bengaluru (entry point)—on a daily basis. This congestion multiplies manifold during weekends and tourist seasons, reaching its peak during Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara when hordes of tourists flock to the area. The junction experiences heavy traffic with bumper-to-bumper congestion, involving cars, buses, and trucks. Vehicles frequently honk, and motorcycles skillfully maneuver through any available gaps, testing the patience of other drivers and riders. Waiting at the junction for the green light to appear has become an unpleasant experience for many motorists, lasting nearly 30 minutes. The relief of finally speeding through the intersection is accompanied by a sigh of relief. Even ambulances, which typically receive priority passage with others making way, face similar difficulties despite the proximity of Manipal Hospital. These traffic issues have become a burden not only for the general public but also for the police officers who are often the target of public frustration. In addition to the regular traffic congestion, police stopping vehicles for inspections further fuels the grievances of motorists. Also Read Madurai roads to get a makeoverGokhale Bridge to partially open by the end of October