Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 9: The road connecting Pulimaru Junction, Pragathi Nagar, and the old Government Bus Stand in Shiribidu under the Udupi City Municipal Council limits has become a major safety concern for commuters, with residents warning that the stretch could lead to a serious tragedy if immediate action is not taken.
A narrow portion of the road runs dangerously close to an open rainwater drain, while the absence of protective barricades along the roadside has increased the risk of accidents. Motorists are forced to navigate the stretch with extreme caution as even a minor loss of control could result in vehicles plunging into the drain.
Pedestrians using the road are also exposed to danger, particularly during night hours and rainy conditions. Residents have alleged that minor mishaps and fall incidents have already occurred on the stretch in the past, raising fears about the possibility of a major accident in the future.
The road serves as one of the nearest entry routes into Udupi city and witnesses heavy movement of vehicles and pedestrians throughout the day. Migrant workers, school and college students, daily wage labourers, and senior citizens regularly use the route for commuting.
Another major issue affecting the area is the lack of adequate street lighting. The road remains poorly illuminated during the night, making the edges of the road and the adjoining drain nearly invisible to commuters. The situation becomes even more hazardous during rainfall when visibility is reduced further.
Despite the road being frequently used by the public, basic safety measures such as barricades, parapet walls, warning signs, and proper lighting facilities have not yet been installed.
Udupi District Citizens’ Committee activists Nityananda Volakadu and Taranath Mesta Shiroor visited the spot and urged the district administration and city municipal authorities to immediately inspect the area and undertake urgent safety measures.
The authorities are urged to install protective barricades along the drain, widening of the narrow stretch wherever possible, and improvement of street lighting facilities to prevent accidents and ensure safe movement for the public.