Bengaluru School Timings May Change, Parents Concerned

The Karnataka government is taking steps to address the worsening traffic congestion in Bengaluru. One initiative is to adjust school timings to alleviate traffic during peak hours. The state transport department is also considering implementing a congestion tax on specific roads.

Today, the Karnataka education department will meet with stakeholders at 3 pm to discuss the proposed changes to school timings. Another meeting will be held at 4 pm with the Association of Private Schools, parents, and the Association of School Vehicles to seek their input and suggestions.

This consideration of modifying school timings is prompted by a recent High Court directive that urged the Karnataka government to revise the schedules of both schools and industrial establishments to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru. The court order emphasized the need for the government to collaborate with various stakeholders, such as representatives from private and government institutions, school bus operators, and parents' associations, in order to adjust school timings while also ensuring the safety and security of children.

Speaking to OneIndia, a parent of a seven-year old in the school said,''I understand the need to address traffic congestion in Bengaluru, but I am concerned about the impact of the proposed changes to school timings on my child. Young children need a regular routine, and shifting their school timings could be disruptive and stressful for them. I urge the government to carefully consider the needs of all stakeholders, including parents and students, before making any final decisions."

"Changes to school timings should be implemented in areas with heavy traffic, but not in all schools. Primary school students may face difficulty adjusting to the shift in timings, and it may also affect them mentally," said Rajesh, a parent of a Class 5 student told OneIndia.

Prashanth, a resident who lives near the school, told OneIndia that the proposed changes to school timings will not affect him personally.

Implementing a congestion tax:

In addition to the changes in school timings, the state government is also exploring the implementation of a congestion tax on heavily congested roads in the city. The proposed tax aims to reduce the number of private vehicles on city roads and encourage more people to utilise public transportation services. The collection of the congestion tax will be facilitated through the FASTag system.

Experts believe that such a tax has the potential to reduce the number of private vehicles on these roads, encouraging more people to opt for public transportation services. The identified roads that may soon be subject to the congestion tax include Outer Ring Road (ORR), Old Madras Road, Old Airport Road (OAR), Sarjapur Road, Bannerghatta Road, Hosur Road, Tumakuru Road, Ballari Road, Kanakapura Road, Magadi Road, and West of Chord Road.