The Safe Routes to School initiative, a collaborative effort by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), Malleshwaram Swabhimana Initiative (MSI), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is set to improve road safety around schools in Malleswaram. This project, funded by GIZ under the German government, is part of a broader urban mobility initiative undertaken in partnership with the Government of India.
Safety Enhancements for Schools in Malleswaram
In the next month, four schools in Malleswaram, including Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha High School and MES Kishora Kendra School, will implement measures designed to enhance student safety. These include:
- Signage Installation: Prominent signs will alert motorists to slow down near school zones.
- Traffic Flow Improvements: The traffic police will be requested to restrict parking within 100 meters of the schools to reduce congestion.
- Dedicated Van Zones: Special zones will be designated for school vans to streamline pick-up and drop-off points.
- Parental Guidelines: Parents will be encouraged to drop students off earlier to alleviate congestion during peak times.
Rekha Chari, president of MSI, emphasized the proactive approach to safety:
“Currently, there is a lack of adequate signage near schools. While we haven’t faced any major incidents, these measures will help prevent future accidents.”
Pilot Programme Success in Malleswaram
In 2023, a pilot programme was conducted on Malleswaram 4th Main, between 15th Cross and 17th Cross, transforming the area into a ‘slow street.’ The measures included:
- Installing rumble strips to reduce vehicle speed.
- Placing signage to highlight the school zone.
- Using a radar to measure and display vehicle speeds on an LED board.
- Recording traffic data to assess the effectiveness of the initiative.
This pilot project demonstrated a commitment to improving road safety through actionable insights, although the detailed findings are yet to be released.
Collaborating for Safer Roads
The initiative has actively involved school principals, parents, and local authorities to design a comprehensive safety plan. Beyond reducing traffic risks, it aims to promote a culture of responsible driving and community awareness around schools.
As the Safe Routes to School project progresses, it holds the potential to become a model for similar initiatives across other urban areas in India, ensuring the safety of students and fostering better urban mobility solutions.
