Church Street Sees New Traffic Rules: Goods Vehicles And Autos Banned

To enhance pedestrian accessibility on Church Street in the city center, traffic police have prohibited the entry of goods vehicles and autorickshaws. Those who violate this rule will face fines.

Cubbon Park traffic police have set up barricades and posted notices to restrict the movement of these vehicles, citing that their presence disrupts pedestrian flow and contributes to traffic congestion.

Church Street attracts a large number of visitors, both locals and tourists, especially on weekends. The new restrictions on autorickshaws and goods vehicles aim to alleviate congestion and reduce traffic jams. The traffic police have warned that violators will incur a fine of ₹500.

Earlier in the day, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with police officials, launched an initiative to remove stalls that encroach on pedestrian pathways along Church Street.

Led by Snehal R, the BBMP's East Zone Commissioner, the operation aimed to restore footpath access for public use, with plans for regular patrols by marshals to deter future encroachments.

During the drive, around 70 illegal structures, primarily food stalls, were removed. The BBMP estimates that over 500 such stalls usually operate on weekends. Officials had previously warned hawkers to vacate the footpaths, but those who did not comply had their stalls dismantled and transported away by trucks and cargo vans.