Bad roads and improper traffic management are considered to be Bangalore’s bane. But if you are among those, who want to go beyond cribbing about government’s apathy, then join hands with the members of Good Life Traffic Solutions (GLTS), an NGO. “I noticed that the slightest thing got many people ticked off, when they were commuting. Traffic jams and potholes, I guessed were the cause for their irritation. I wanted to do something about this and thought, I better did for I use the roads too! What strengthened my resolve was an accident that my friend met with, when his car hit a stone slab that was left carelessly on the road,” says Suraj, a founder member.

The mishap was discussed in my room and I thought why not do something, and before I knew it, a group was formed and we were clearing debris on the road, keeping aside large stones, filling potholes, correcting medians, cleaning reflectors and blocked drains, and maintaining footpaths.Then we hosted a website and asked people to suggest alternatives they know of, for busy roads, he adds. The site also discusses how designs for certain junctions could be modified. “I feel road users should be allowed to contribute to discussions and roads should be planned likewise,” he says.

It does no good to blame just the system. In fact, the system is right and there is just the need to follow it, Suraj thinks. “A lot of study is done by our NGO regarding the roads that need immediate repair. We just need the support of the public and officials concerned.” He continues, “What I fail to understand is when crores of rupees are spent on election campaigns, why can’t politicians divert a part of it towards quality road works?” So tell him to enter politics and make a difference, and he says, “Why not? My aim is to become the prime minister of India. If Deve Gowda can become one, why not me?” 

This is just the beginning. We want to construct roads and get into landscaping wherever possible, he adds. “We are not about gyan but about providing practical solutions.Ultimately, we believe that we can bring about a change,” he adds.  And why not for where there is a will there is a ‘way’!

Take an initiative

Be a part of GLTS’ latest initiative Adopt-A-Road.The NGO is working towards identifying 100 roads and dividing it into half-a-kilometre slabs.

Companies, individuals, housing colonies or shop owners may come forward to adopt the stretch, which means,   fund the maintenance of that particular stretch. The cost will be specified and people from nearby slums will be hired to undertake the maintenance work.

Permission will be sought from authorities concerned. Interested people can write to: info@gltsindia.org or log onto www.gltsindia.org