Sir,

I write in reference to Rohit Biddappa’s letter titled ‘Rash driving by KSRTC bus drivers on Mysuru-Kodagu Road’ published in SOM dated July 5, as well as the concerns raised by several other vigilant Mysureans regarding the reckless driving behaviours exhibited by the KSRTC drivers.

While Biddappa’s suggestions to mitigate frequent accidents are commendable, their implementation poses significant challenges. Allow me to elaborate on some of the difficulties involved:

a. Speed governors, although proposed as a solution, can be easily tampered with by drivers, rendering them ineffective.

b. While driver training programmes are beneficial, it is uncertain whether the drivers themselves are willing to undergo such training.

c. Regrettably, the presence of law enforcement officers monitoring traffic in the city is scarce and those on duty often appear preoccupied with their mobile phones.

In addition to the concerns raised, I would like to highlight several pressing issues pertaining to road safety on the Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway and other roads in and around Mysuru:

1. Widespread usage of mobile phones by drivers of buses, cars, and motorcycles, resulting in distracted driving.

2. Deplorable road conditions are characterised by potholes and craters.

3. Insufficient or non-existent street lighting after dark.

4. Frequent instances of reckless overtaking.

5. Rampant instances of rash driving and excessive speeding.

6. Violations of traffic signals.

7. Instances of driving against the flow of traffic.

8. An increase in the presence of stray cattle poses a severe threat to motorists.

Additionally, there is another critical issue that demands immediate attention but has remained overlooked thus far — the vegetable market located on M.G. Road. This market poses significant dangers to both pedestrians and motorists on a daily basis.

Vendors and suppliers haphazardly park their vehicles, causing complete obstruction of traffic flow. Since there is no median on this stretch of road, vehicles are forced to drive against the traffic, exacerbating congestion and chaos.

Furthermore, the vendors and suppliers negligently dispose of rotten vegetables onto the road, attracting stray cattle that roam freely across the thoroughfare.

Repeatedly, I have raised this concern in SOM, yet the responsible authorities have consistently turned a blind eye to this and other pressing matters mentioned above.

It is high time for the authorities to awaken from their complacency and recognise that our city is deteriorating day by day. If we aspire to emulate cities like Indore, it is crucial that our citizens also demonstrate care and concern for their own surroundings.

I implore you all — Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra, MP Pratap Simha, Mayor Shivakumar, Police Commissioner B. Ramesh, ADGP (Traffic & Road Safety) Alok Kumar and SP Seema Latkar — ­to lend us your ears and address these issues promptly.

The safety, security and well-being of our citizens necessitate urgent action from each of you. Let us tackle these concerns collectively and resolutely.

– Phiroza Wadia, Mysuru, 7.7.2023

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]