Mysuru: Concerns are mounting among motorists in Mysuru after several newly installed traffic signals across the city have remained non-functional for the past few days, raising questions about their utility and the public funds spent on them.
According to traffic police, as many as 43 new signal systems were installed this year, taking the total number of signals in the city to 96. However, commuters allege that a majority of these newly installed signals are rarely operational, leading to confusion at junctions and renewed debate over their necessity.
Public questions need and planning
The installation of traffic signals at multiple junctions, including smaller intersections, had earlier drawn criticism from residents and urban planners. At the time, authorities, including the police department and district in-charge minister HC Mahadevappa, had defended the move, stating that it would help streamline traffic flow and improve road safety.
Now, with many of these signals reportedly switched off, citizens are questioning the rationale behind the project. Motorists argue that if the signals were essential, they should be functional at all times.
Residents also expressed concern over the expenditure, which is believed to run into several crores, especially when other parts of the city continue to face basic infrastructure issues such as poor roads and drainage problems.
RTI queries and lack of response
The issue has also taken a legal and accountability angle, with activists and citizens seeking details through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Ravi Keerthi Gowda, an activist from Dattagalli, alleged that the city police have failed to provide information even months after an RTI application was filed.
He said the application sought details on the cost per signal system and the scientific criteria used to identify locations for installation. “Even after three months, there has been no response,” he claimed, raising concerns about transparency.
Gowda further questioned the necessity of installing signals at all 43 locations. According to him, signals may have been required at fewer than 10 junctions, and the decision-making process behind the project needs scrutiny.
Legal voices join criticism
Advocate AM Bhaskar, who also filed an RTI application, echoed similar concerns. He termed the situation a failure of administration and described the expenditure as a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Citizens are increasingly demanding accountability from the authorities, particularly regarding the planning, execution, and current status of the project.
Police yet to respond
Despite the growing criticism, there has been no official clarification from the police department regarding why the signals are currently non-operational.
Attempts to seek a response from City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar remained unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Conclusion
The issue of non-functional traffic signals has sparked a broader conversation about urban planning, accountability, and efficient use of public funds in Mysuru. As traffic continues to grow in the city, residents expect not just infrastructure expansion but also its effective implementation.
Whether the authorities will address these concerns and restore functionality to the signals remains to be seen, but for now, the situation has left motorists frustrated and questioning the intent behind the project.