Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 2: The number of vehicles on the city roads is increasing day by day, leading to frequent traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening hours. Among the main junctions experiencing the worst traffic conditions is Balmatta Circle.

Balmatta Circle serves as a gateway to the city from Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kerala. It is also surrounded by educational institutions, pubs, and shops, which contributes to the high vehicle and public congestion in the area. With ongoing construction work at Jyoti Circle, the traffic situation worsens at Balmatta Circle.

The convergence of four roads at Balmatta Circle adds to the chaos. At Jyoti Circle, a bus stand is located, where three to four buses are parked throughout the day and night. This leads to delays for other vehicles trying to pass through. Some vehicles attempt to take U-turns, obstructing the flow of traffic coming from Kankanady.

One-way traffic is mandatory for all vehicles at this junction. However, certain drivers ignore the regulation and enter Arya Samaj Road or Swagath Hotel road from Prestige Hotel, going against the designated flow. Initially, police constables were stationed in the area to manage the situation, but the issue persists with vehicles coming from Prestige Hotel.

Traffic police acknowledge that controlling the traffic at Balmatta Circle is a significant challenge. Offenders often escape being booked as other vehicles come in between when the police try to take photographs as evidence.

Vehicles coming from the Sahoday end should turn left and proceed towards Jyoti Circle, but some drivers attempt to go directly towards Prestige Hotel. There used to be a no-entry sign in place, which has been removed by miscreants, according to a traffic constable.