A signal that hardly works

BANGALORE: While most traffic signals are meant to ease vehicular movement, the recently installed traffic signal near Banashankari Service Station in Gowdanapalya has only added more confusion to the already chaotic traffic mess in a city like Bangalore.This signal is erratic in its functioning, as it remains off even during peak hours.With three intersecting roads forming a little circle of sort, residents and commuters have legitimate reasons to complain.Some appreciate the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for having installed a signal.“But what is the point if it remains off even during peak hours? It doesn’t help control traffic here,” says Mukund, a resident here.Before there was a signal here, traffic during peak hours made commuting on this road a pain.“It is functional on some mornings, and not on other days,” he added.“The route from Deve Gowda Petrol bunk towards Padmanabhanagar is fine.Further from that point is where the confusion starts.The dysfunctional signal has made it worse, just like when there was no signal here,” said Ramyasmruthi, a commuter residing in Uttarahalli.She added that she takes an additional 15 minutes to reach home after the signal was installed.The problem caused by this signal is not conformed to commuters alone.There are two apartments located next to one another here.Ever since the signal has been installed, a huge line of vehicles is formed in front of the apartments, making it hard for residents to enter or exit.“I have to wait a 180 seconds to take my car out when the signal in on.When it is off, however, it is a lot more easier,” laughs Ramesh, a resident of an apartment.City Express spoke to M D Hari from Banashankari Traffic Police Station.While he agreed that the signal is erratic, he said the problem would exist until medians were put in place.“The Traffic Engineering Cell has made all the necessary checks to have medians on the three roads,” said Hari.He went on to explain further: “Signals work according to peak and non-peak hours.We have the signal off during non-peak hours, and back on during peak hours.” He added that the signal will return to normalcy after medians have been placed