Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 11: Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner (DC) H V Darshan has directed concerned officials to immediately submit a report on converting the currently one-way Clock Tower–State Bank road in the city’s core area into a two-way route.
Chairing the District Road Safety Committee meeting at the DC office’s Prajavani Hall on Thursday, the DC said that several complaints have been received regarding public inconvenience caused by the one-way traffic rule. He instructed Smart City and MCC officials to coordinate with the police commissioner and submit a report next week outlining the required works and budget for reverting to two-way traffic.
Deputy commissioner of Police Siddharth Goyal, who was present, pointed out that several vital offices, including a police station and fire station, are situated along the Clock Tower stretch, making one-way traffic a serious obstacle during emergencies. He also highlighted that one side of the road is now being used as a parking zone for buses and other vehicles.
Smart City officials informed the committee that the road was developed as a one-way route and has since been handed over to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
The DC also instructed officials to expedite technical work on redesigning the State Bank–Hamilton Circle scientifically, based on a report from NITK.
Regarding Hampankatta signal junction, permanent barricades have been installed on the median. The MCC commissioner said that iron railings would be installed at junctions like Karavali, Bunts Hostel, and Balmatta within a month. Bus stops at these junctions will be relocated for smoother traffic flow, per the DC’s directions.
To address footpath encroachments, the DC directed MCC to take permanent action against roadside vendors and shops encroaching on pedestrian areas, instead of relying on temporary eviction drives.
Infrastructure and highway updates
On highway developments, the NHAI’s project director Javed Abdulla informed the meeting that an underpass near Jokatte Cross on Baikampady NH has been approved to facilitate vehicle movement into the industrial area and tendering is in progress.
Addressing traffic disruptions caused by truck parking on roads in Kulur–Baikampady, Panambur beach, and Tannirbhavi, the DC said he would coordinate with NMPT officials to allocate space within port authority land for truck parking.
Streetlight issues between Baikampady and Surathkal highway stretches were also discussed, with instructions to the MCC to ensure proper maintenance.
Other key decisions
• Inspectors from all four Mangaluru city traffic police stations have been asked to jointly prepare a comprehensive report on traffic problems and solutions within their jurisdictions.
• Reports will be sought from schools regarding overcrowding in school buses and vans following complaints.
• Fines will be imposed on contractors for Jal Jeevan Mission pipeline works that disrupt public roads.
• A crackdown on tinted car glasses is underway. Car owners found with illegal tint will be fined, and showrooms or accessory dealers installing such tints will be warned. If crimes occur in such vehicles, those applying the tint could also be booked, said the DCP.
The meeting was attended by SP Dr Arun K, PWD executive engineer Raghavendra Naik, MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik, sub-divisional officer Harshavardhan, and other department officials and committee members including Gopalakrishna Bhat.