Mangaluru: Hamilton Circle near State Bank in the City has already been removed for development purposes and now Smart City authorities have decided to construct traffic island at the place. However, the decision to build a traffic island at the State Bank where there is already a problem of traffic jam, it will only worsen the traffic congestion.

The public opined that the vast traffic island is not suitable for this location. The work has begun, and one can witness stones being placed at the area where Hamilton Circle used to be located, causing traffic chaos for motorists. Meanwhile, a new rule has been implemented wherein the vehicle users coming from Deputy Commissioner’s office area and proceeding towards Hampankatta are asked to take a U-turn. Since some of the roads in the City are narrow, in some areas people have been persuaded to give up space for the road and in most parts, steps are being taken to widen the road. However, locals complain that the road near the State Bank of India is being used in an unscientific manner to prevent big trucks from turning around and the road is being damaged by laying stones.

When the locals were asked to respond to the situation at the circle area, they told that there was a resistance from the locals while they were working on the road by putting stones. The officials said that they were doing this because the Corporation area should be beautiful. Locals also objected to the works stating that what is the use of beautifying the city without having good roads.