BENGALURU: A 10-wheeler truck got stuck in the Palace Road underpass on Saturday, causing significant traffic disruption as police worked for four hours to free it. The incident stemmed from the driver misjudging the height clearance due to a malfunctioning height gauge gate, a crucial safety feature meant to inform drivers of clearance limits before entering underpasses.
The gauge gate, typically resembling a parapet wall, is positioned before underpasses to stop taller vehicles from proceeding. Its absence or failure leaves truck drivers without necessary information, increasing the risk of such incidents. This is not an isolated case; a similar situation occurred just a month prior, underscoring the urgent need for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to take corrective action.
Despite being aware of these recurring issues, the BBMP has yet to implement a permanent solution for the lack of functional height restriction measures at various underpasses. Rajkumar Dugar, Founder and Convenor of Citizens for Citizens (C4C), emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging the BBMP to act proactively, especially following tragic incidents, including the death of a woman in a waterlogged underpass.
In Saturday’s incident, traffic police managed to lower the truck by deflating its tyres and using a JCB to push it free, fortunately minimizing disruption during a holiday with lighter traffic. DCP Traffic West, Anitha B, reiterated the need for the BBMP to address the issue promptly, as repeated notifications have gone unheeded.
Both traffic police and commuters are calling for the urgent installation of properly functioning gauge gates to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, temporary signage or barriers may be necessary to alert drivers to height limitations, ensuring safer navigation through the city’s underpasses.
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