During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing the worsening traffic situation in Bengaluru city, the High Court of Karnataka has recommended that the State Government explore the option of adjusting the timings of educational institutions and various industries and corporate businesses.
A bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit suggested that the Secretary of Industries and Labour organize a meeting with representatives of industries, factories, the Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders to gather their input on revising timings in factories, commercial enterprises, and workplaces.
“The State Government, through the Secretary of School Education and Higher Education, may convene a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the possibility of adjusting school timings. This could help alleviate traffic issues while also considering the safety and security of children,” the bench stated.
The PIL filed by Samarpana Trust in 2020, sought the implementation of a 2014 Supreme Court directive to address traffic congestion in cities. It specifically focused on the need for scientific traffic management between Mekhri Circle and the BDA head office.
Additionally, the bench directed the authorities to provide a project report on the expansion of the Namma Metro lines in the 2023-24 period. The state government was also directed to submit a status report outlining the actions taken to address the traffic situation. The hearing of the matter was adjourned for six weeks.
