Jayanagar bus stand shifted to ease traffic

BANGALORE: The shifting of a forty-year-old bus stop at Jayanagar Ninth Block in the city has kicked up a row. While few people are opposing the shifting of the bus stop on the ground that it would cause inconvenience to general public, another section has opined that it would benefit a large population.In fact, the new bus stop was inaugurated by MLA Vijaykumar and former mayor S K Nataraj on Monday. The bus stop, situated on the Marenahalli petrol Pump land, has about 40 scheduled and 456 trips daily. A traffic cop said that the old bus stop is creating too many traffic hazards especially in evenings.Residents too had complained in writing about parking of buses in front of their houses at night.“The old bus stop is situated in a very narrow space and with the extra buses parking becomes a problem. So it has been moved to the open place and all the buses will be operated from here. I know that it effects business centres but traffic has been creating many problems at this place. The decision to shift the old bus stop was taken only after seeking opinion of local residents, BMTC officials and Traffic Police” says C K Ramamurthy, corporator of Jayanagar ward.Jairam, honorary president of Kannada Abhimanigala Sangha, has strongly opposed the shifting of the bus stop. He said the sangha will protest shifting the bus stop to the new place as it will cause inconvenience to local traders and businessmen.They have no problems if new route buses are operated from the new bus station. Since the authorities have promised to ensure operation of the existing buses from the old bus stop they have decided to keep quiet.“We will agitate if the promise is broken”, he added, “It is a good idea that the old bus stop has been shifted to a new location as it has toilets and other facilities. We are happy that now all buses will be parked inside the new bus stop and not in front of houses. Besides, Metro station will be constructed soon and it links Banashakari and J P Nagar route buses”, said Rajshekar, a resident of Jayanagar 9th block.“This is a better way to avoid traffic hazard. Now I expect better frequency of buses” opined Umesh HC, who stays in the same area.The shifting of the old bus stop has also been welcomed by traffic police.