The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has approved the installation of 1,560 LED boards on footpaths near traffic signals, a decision that has sparked concerns about pedestrian safety. This move follows a “compromise deal” with a private advertising agency, which has agreed to forego the construction of nearly 400 police kiosks in exchange.
Key Points:
- Installation Locations: LED boards are being set up at various locations, including Indiranagar KFC junction, 12th Main Road, Nrupathunga Road, and Anil Kumble Circle.
- Public-Private Partnership: The installation is part of a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme between the BBMP and the traffic police.
- Legal and Safety Concerns: The decision follows a High Court case where the BBMP and the advertising agency settled on the terms for installation. The compromise was made after the agency sought to keep larger hoardings initially ordered to be removed.
- Board Specifications: The agreement allows for four LED boards, each 40 square feet, to be installed near each kiosk.
- Traffic Police Concerns: The traffic police had advised against any hoardings within a 50-metre radius of road junctions, citing potential safety risks.
- Criticism: Sandeep Anirudhan from Citizens Agenda for Bengaluru criticized the installation of LED boards on footpaths, calling it illegal and a safety hazard, as it obstructs pedestrian and vehicle movement.
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