Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Mar 28: The problem of motorists travelling on the wrong side of National Highway 169A near Sharada Kalyana Mantapa is escalating day by day, posing a serious threat to road safety and causing inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians.

Despite clear traffic regulations, two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even heavy vehicles originating from the Sharada Kalyana Mantapa road are increasingly seen driving on the wrong side of the highway to reach the diversion towards Manipal. This dangerous practice is primarily adopted to avoid taking the designated diversion at Kadiyali, which requires a longer route.

This unsafe shortcut is becoming routine. Motorists heading towards Manipal from Sharada Kalyana Mantapa are officially required to proceed towards Kadiyali and take a proper U-turn. However, many choose to ignore this rule, opting instead for a risky shortcut by entering the highway from the wrong side.

This not only disrupts the smooth flow of traffic but also creates hazardous situations for vehicles travelling from Manipal towards Udupi. Those attempting to turn towards Sharada Kalyana Mantapa road are often forced to wait, leading to congestion and confusion at the junction.

The situation is further aggravated as buses frequently stop near the junction to pick up passengers. Students and pedestrians waiting for buses are left vulnerable, as they are forced to navigate through chaotic and unsafe traffic conditions caused by wrong-side driving. Pedestrians crossing the road are compelled to remain extremely cautious, often checking all directions before proceeding. Several minor accidents have already been reported in the area due to this ongoing violation.

Concerned commuters who question violators are often met with resistance. In several instances, arguments and confrontations have been reported when drivers are advised to follow proper traffic rules and take the Kadiyali diversion.

While the presence of traffic police near the diversion temporarily curbs the issue, the problem resurfaces immediately after officials leave the spot. This indicates a lack of consistent enforcement and public adherence to road safety norms. Authorities have already installed barricades to prevent wrong-side entry. However, motorists continue to bypass these barriers illegally, rendering the preventive measures ineffective.

With the risk of a major accident looming large, local residents and commuters are urging the Udupi district police to take stringent and sustained action. This can be curbed by the installation of CCTV cameras for continuous monitoring, deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours, and imposition of strict penalties on violators.

Unless decisive steps are taken, the ongoing negligence could lead to serious mishaps, endangering lives on this busy stretch of NH-169A.