Commuters in Bengaluru, especially those who use roads around Palace Grounds, could be in for troubling times over the next fortnight with three mega conventions taking place there, which could hinder traffic movement around Mehkri Circle. The 500 mt stretch between Mehkri Circle and Cauvery theatre magic-box has about 12 entrance gates to Palace Grounds. Though some of the venues have diverted guests to exit from the opposite side, vehicles that enter the ground cause congestion on the road.
On May 29, a huge convention is being held to celebrate the 60th birthday of senior Kannada actor and former MP Mr Ambarish. Fans from across the state, mostly from Mysore and Mandya, are expected to arrive for the gathering. On June 2, the Vokkaliga community is holding a ‘Guruvandana’ programme at Palace Grounds. And then there is the Global Investors’ Meet (GIM) for three days from June 6.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M.A. Saleem said the police will draw an elaborate traffic management plan so that traffic moving towards airport is not affected. “Depending on the requirement we will clamp minor diversions. We will also advise commuters to use alternative roads during the programme”, he said. “We are concentrating on diverting the parking places so that vehicles which line up for the convention do not disrupt regular traffic,” Mr Saleem added. Traffic experts have yet again stressed the need to ban all public functions, rallies and conventions from the city central areas. “Several court judgments have objected to conducting rallies and events in the city as they affect regular traffic flow. But there is nothing much done in this regard,” lamented Prof M.N. Sreehari, traffic expert.