'Namma Raste' exhibition, an initiative by BBMP and WRI India for urban safety

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: To address road safety and urban planning, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with WRI India as a knowledge partner under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, is organising 'Namma Raste' (Our Streets).

Organised under the Unboxing BLR Habba 2023 umbrella this two-day exhibition on December 8 and 9, at Dr Rajkumar Glass House, aims to foster discussions and co-create solutions for safer, inclusive, and resilient streets in Bengaluru.

The initiative aims to unite key stakeholders, including the administration, civil society groups, and academic institutions, to showcase innovative and human-centric street designs.

'Namma Raste' will serve as a platform for sharing experiences and best practices, with a particular focus on training sessions for engineers.

According to BBMP officials, the initiative perfectly aligns with the vision for Brand Bengaluru, aiming to create pedestrian-friendly streets, dedicated cycling lanes, and green spaces.

The goal is to encourage active transportation and promote healthier lifestyles in the city.

"Namma Raste is not just an event; it's a collective endeavour to shape the future of Bengaluru's streets. We are actively seeking participation from citizens, civic groups, designers, and academic institutions to contribute their insights and experiences towards creating safer and more inclusive streets," said the Commissioner of BBMP Tushar Giri Nath.

Convening in collaboration with WRI India and Bloomberg Dot Org, the initiative focused on co-creating solutions to enhance the safety of BrandBengaluru's streets and public spaces.

The inaugural event witnessed active participation from 20 civic groups, 10 academic institutions, and 10 design consultants, collectively striving to shape a safer and more inclusive urban environment for the city.

Lokesh Mahadevaiah, Chief Engineer at BBMP, highlighted the challenges posed by the KR Puram junction and Ramnagara road, identifying them as the most intricate and hazardous areas in the city.

Emphasising the commitment to addressing these issues, he noted that extensive measures are being implemented. The city has already transformed numerous parks and streets, prioritising inclusivity for pedestrians and riders.

Mahadevaiah affirmed the ongoing dedication to resolving all urban challenges, underscoring the city's continuous efforts to create a safer and more accessible environment for all.

The exhibition includes an interactive feature—a city map where citizens can contribute suggestions and insights to enhance the city's well-being. Participants are encouraged to share ideas for improving pedestrian safety.