Foot of the flyover blocks traffic

The Marathalli flyover is probably one of the smallest flyovers in the city. When it comes to basic infrastructure and construction it scores well. The sides of the six lane flyover have colour murals.On either sides of the road there are raised pedestrian walkways that run along the complete length of the flyover. It is well light and the visibility during night is also good. It also has solar cat lights.However, this flyover too has its own set of problems to deal with. This flyover too is accustomed to traffic jams. The problem areas are at the foot of the flyover on either sides. The Marathalli bridge has been provided with a bus bay, yet the Volvos and the BMTC buses fail to utilise it. Though there a few bus drivers who follow lane discipline, most of them wish to ignore it. Passengers waiting for their buses also add to the already existing problem.  “Since this is a major bus stop and most buses from here head towards ITPB, there are a lot of people who travel on this route. It is sad to see these people recklessly spread out on to the main road while waiting for their buses,” said Vidhya, a resident of one of the apartment’s near the flyover. She further added that these people seem to have forgotten the basic civic lessons taught at school. “You do not stand literally in the middle of a road during busy traffic. It is extremely dangerous. It looks as though they feel that it is the driver’s responsibility to look out for their safety,” she said.While this bus stop is a few metres from the foot of the flyover, the story at the other end is completely different. When commuting from Kundalahalli Gate towards Marathalli, there is a bus stop right at the beginning of the flyover. Buses here stop to take the passengers aboard. At times one can find two to three buses parked here. As a result, the traffic behind gets jammed till the buses move.“This particular spot is very irritating. The problem is that the buses cannot stop one after the other as they would end up blocking the way for those who are going under the flyover. Where they usually stop, they end up blocking the way for the rest of the traffic. If the location of the bus stop is changed, then the situation could ease. Another way out is if they create a bus bay like they have on the opposite side, near spice garden,” said Joyce who stays near Kundalahalli Gate.Nandini, a resident of Purva Riviera said, “Another problem here is he traffic signal at the end of the flyover on Marathalli bridge. There have been times when the jam has stretched from the signal all the way up to the flyover. This usually happens over the weekends, when the everyone heads out." The BMTC officials were unavailable for comments.