Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 23: The Brahmagiri–Kinnimulki road stretch near the fire station has reportedly turned into an accident-prone zone, with local residents expressing concern over reckless driving and the increasing movement of heavy vehicles through the area.
According to the residents, the traffic flow on the road has increased considerably due to the ongoing construction work at Ambalpady, forcing many motorists travelling towards Mangaluru to use the Brahmagiri–Kinnimulki route as an alternative road.
Locals alleged that several heavy vehicles and other motorists are driving at high speeds through the residential stretch without regard for pedestrian safety. Residents stated that school-going children, school vans, and senior citizens who use the road for walking are facing danger on a daily basis.
They have urged the concerned authorities to immediately install speed breakers, impose speed limits, and carry out frequent traffic monitoring to prevent accidents and ensure safety for commuters and pedestrians.
Residents also appealed to the traffic police and civic authorities to take preventive measures before any major mishap occurs on the stretch.
Ivan D’Souza, a local resident, said, “Following the development of the Nairkere road, heavy vehicles have increasingly been using the stretch and speeding through the area, leading to frequent accidents. We had requested the municipality through our councillor in 2024 to install speed breakers after a pedestrian lost his life in an accident caused by a speeding vehicle on this road. However, no proper action has been taken so far except placing barricades. Since the development of the Nairkere road, heavy vehicles have been using this stretch, and many of them travel at high speeds, resulting in frequent accidents. As four roads connect to this stretch and a fire station is also located here, it creates difficulties during emergencies. We demand the immediate installation of speed breakers and restrictions on heavy vehicle movement.”
Another resident said, “Since the road is wide and in good condition, many vehicles pass through the stretch at high speeds, increasing the risk of accidents. We urge the authorities to take measures to control speeding by installing speed breakers, setting up surveillance cameras, conducting regular monitoring, and imposing fines on violators. If no action is taken, accidents in the area are likely to increase.”
Basheer Ahemmad Manna, a resident, said, “After the road was developed two years ago, heavy vehicles began using the stretch frequently, and many of them travel at high speeds. Several accidents, including fatal ones, have occurred here in recent times. As the road connects a government school and college, residential areas, and government offices, installing speed breakers is necessary to prevent further accidents. The movement of heavy vehicles, especially sleeper buses, should be regulated to avoid danger to lives and property. Just a week ago, another accident took place here, causing major losses.”
Sameer, a worker at a local shop, said, “Vehicles pass through this road at very high speeds, which poses a serious danger to senior citizens and students who regularly use the stretch. Since this is also a residential area, strict measures are needed to control speeding. Recently, our shop suffered losses of nearly Rs 2 lakh due to an accident that occurred here. Therefore, the installation of speed breakers has become essential.”