Bengaluru Implements New Saturday Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles to Tackle Traffic Congestion

Bengaluru introduces new Saturday restrictions for heavy goods vehicles to ease traffic congestion, banning their movement during peak hours from August 3.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police has announced new restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) within the city limits on Saturdays, effective August 3, 2024. The decision comes after a comprehensive analysis of traffic patterns observed from January to June this year.

Under the new regulations, HGVs will be prohibited from city roads during two time slots on Saturdays: 10 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9 pm. This measure aims to address the severe traffic congestion experienced during these peak hours, which have been identified as particularly problematic.

MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), explained that Saturday traffic congestion peaks at 1 pm, with average congestion lengths reaching 70.3 km. This is significantly higher than weekday congestion, which averages between 60 to 67 km during peak hours.

The existing weekday restrictions for HGVs, which prohibit their movement from 7 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 10 pm, will remain in effect. This dual approach seeks to balance the needs of heavy vehicle operators with the necessity of managing urban traffic more effectively.

The decision to implement these new restrictions follows an extensive analysis of traffic data, which revealed distinct congestion patterns on weekdays versus weekends. By targeting Saturday's unique traffic flow, authorities hope to provide relief to regular commuters and reduce strain on the city's infrastructure.

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These measures are expected to significantly improve traffic flow, particularly during the busiest times of the day. The traffic police will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal traffic management.

As Bengaluru continues to grapple with its growing traffic challenges, this targeted approach represents a strategic effort to enhance mobility and improve quality of life for residents and commuters alike.