BENGALURU: A major part of Gandhi Bazaar Main Road in Basavanagudi is likely to be pedestrianized during the day if a proposal by the government is implemented and that could make Gandhi Bazaar Bengaluru’s first pedestrian-only stretch.The road — one of the city’s oldest tree-lined avenues — connects Ramakrishna Ashram Circle with Tagore Circle and is dotted with landmarks like Vidyarthi Bhavan, the popular eatery.The pedestrianization proposal has been made by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), the planning wing of the state’s transport department. Last year, DULT tied up with GIZ, a German development agency, and Mayapraxis, a city-based architectural firm, for a participatory project that involved discussions with all stakeholders, including vegetable and flower vendors, traders and resident welfare associations. The proposal stems from this project.The plan envisages pedestrianizing a stretch from Vyasaraja Mutt junction to the flower market building.“It is not end-to-end pedestrianization as on-street parking will be available on the Ashram side and access will be given to a multi-level car parking facility that the BBMP is likely to build in the old flower market,” said a DULT official.Residents will be permitted to enter and exit. We will have to work out the modalities with the traffic police as it is difficult to intermittently implement pedestrianization. This model hasn’t been nailed anywhere in the country,” the official added.BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad said the civic body, which will be the implementing agency, is ready to pay to realize the project. “We will meet stakeholders next week to discuss the proposal,” he said.As per the proposal, vendors will move from shopfronts to the centre of the road. Temporary-permanent roofing structures will be provided for up to 120-140 vendors, and benches will be installed for people to sit on.“According to our recommendation, goods vehicles and emergency vehicles will be allowed from 9pm to 7am. The project is likely to cost between Rs 10 crore and Rs 20 crore,” said Vijay Narnapatti of Mayapraxis.

Stay updated with all the Bangalore Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.