Electronic City flyover shuts its doors to 2-wheelers from September 11. For motorists using cars, the decision could be music to their ears. Fewer two-wheelers weaving, overtaking, and changing lanes could mean a smoother, less stressful ride on the elevated stretch. But for the bikers being pushed off the flyover, the story is quite different. The flyover offers something Bengaluru commuters value almost as much as fuel: time & predictability. Once you are on it, you generally know how long the journey is going to take. The alternative route below, however, can be a very different story. Navigating Hosa Road crossing, the Kudlu signal, and the Bomanhalli signal are challenges galore for the hapless 2-wheeler rider. The service roads could soon find themselves carrying a much heavier load. Which raises an obvious question: Is the traffic problem really being solved or merely being moved downstairs? For those staying on the flyover, fewer two-wheelers could mean a more orderly drive. Bikes darting between lanes and overtaking at short notice can make driving nerve-racking. From a safety perspective, the restriction therefore has its supporters. Provide four-wheelers and larger vehicles a clear stretch of road, and the driving experience could become considerably smoother. This leads to one more hump on the road, viz., the toll booth. Whilst, as per sources, this is a "trial measure," and should the experiment become permanent, the toll loss of revenue from 2-wheelers would eventually have to be borne by the larger vehicles using the toll way. In a nutshell, the real test comes on Sept 11- for cars it's a breeze, for 2-wheelers a detour, and for others, welcome chaotic Bangalore traffic!!!

Tilak