The unmanageable traffic snarls of Chintamani got the much needed controlling tool- the traffic lights. The solar powered LED traffic signal lights became operational on Monday, the 24th Feb. With the advent of traffic signals at all main circles, the haphazard movement of vehicles has come down considerably. The clogging at the Petrol Bunk Circle, PCR Complex, Gajanana Circle, Chelur Circle and the Taluk Office Circle will be the thing of the past. The situation of the traffic movement was chaotic and dangerous too. The negligent and rash driving has taken few lives too.( Read on: A Businessman Dies- Traffic Disorder Inflicted Tragedy ) Now, suddenly you see the vehicle owners are stopping to the red lights and are patiently waiting for the lights to turn green! Thanks to the Police Department and also the people who have strived to equip Chintamani with the traffic lights. Now isn't it time to have an exclusive traffic department too?
There definitely will be an improvement or reformation, like painting the 'Zebra-Crossing' and the lanes, adjusting the signal timer, etc. Sadly, we still see few people who jump the signals and drive on the wrong side of the road.( Check the video, at 5:40 an aged person is on the wrong-side and at 10:36 a lady jumps the signal from the right side of the median). The attitude "wrong-side ಅಲ್ಲಿ ದೂರು ನಮಗೆ ಅಡ್ಡ ಬರೌರ್ ಯಾರು?" " ಹೇಳೋರ್ ಕೇಳೋರ್ ಯಾರು ಇಲ್ಲ " (from the song "Namma Ooru Chintamani"(click here)) is spoiling the party. Will they ever learn at all!
And, what the government has completely overlooked is the plight of the pedestrians. Do they have a space to walk? Aren't they entitled to some safe footpaths? Hope the concerned authorities will take steps to make the pedestrians life easier!
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| BEFORE THE SIGNAL LIGHT INSTALLATION |
