Mangaluru: The traffic police are planning to introduce revolutionary changes to the the traffic management system in Mangalore, which they envisage, will contribute to the smooth movement of vehicles by February-end. Mangaluru city has witnessed repeated road blocks, due to the ongoing road construction work, traffic diversions and a lack of proper sustainable system at major junctions.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Uday M. Nayak told newskarnataka.com that the installation of new traffic signals at important places, completion of road work and reversing traffic diversions will solve the traffic woes. Mr. Nayak took no time to add that providing smooth vehicular movement in Nanthur was a ‘challenge’.
New traffic signals
He said that there will be four new traffic signals, which will be installed at Balmatta, Bendorewell, near KSRTC bus stand and close to St. Theresa School, Bendore. The estimated cost of Rs. 44 lakh is sanctioned by the police department and the work will be completed by February end. They are fully solar-powered traffic signals, he added.
In addition to it, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is also upgrading six existing traffic signals with digital, timer and solar-power features. They are: Lalbagh, Jyothi, Bunts Hostel, PVS, Hampankatte and Karavali junction.
Besides, Mr. Nayak further said that the department has sent a proposal to the government for ten more traffic signals.
Nanthur-Bunts Hostel stretch misses date
After an important traffic lifeline, the Nanthur – Bunts Hostel stretch was closed for concretization, traffic diversion resulted in heavy road blocks. The city corporation had promised to complete the work in 45 days. However, the work is not as yet completed even two months after it was started.
The MCC commissioner, said “the stretch will be open for traffic within two weeks. However, the work will not be entirely complete by then. The work on the footpaths will be carried out subsequently with minimal inconvenience ot the public”.
Nanthur circle
Mr. Nayak admitted that the Nanthur circle is unscientific. “We keep at least three or four police personnel to monitor traffic movement. It is a challenge to provide smooth movement of traffic since the circle is huge. We have sent proposals to bring a few changes, especially reducing the size of the circle. But, there is no reply, he added.
There is another proposal to construct a fly over for vehicles between Kulshekar and the city. It is approved by the government. But, no fund has been sanctioned till date, Mr. Nayak said.
Meanwhile, he said that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to take old Pumpwell road (next to Fr. Mullers) from Kankanady. It will reduce traffic congestion on that stretch, he opined.
