Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Oct 4: Malpe Beach witnessed a massive influx of tourists as the weekend and the upcoming Dasara holidays drew visitors from across Karnataka and other states to Udupi district’s famous temples and beaches.
Despite the intense heat, families from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Dharwad and Belagavi arrived in large numbers. A huge crowd was seen stretching from the main beach area to the Sea Walk.
The influx of visitors to Malpe had increased from Friday morning, and by afternoon, the rush had become so intense that there was hardly any space left to park vehicles. Vehicles parked along both sides of the roads further disrupted the smooth flow of traffic.
Tourists were seen enjoying water adventure activities such as banana rides and speedboat rides at the beach. The number of visitors travelling by boat to the popular St Mary’s Island had also increased significantly.
The sharp rise in tourist vehicles resulted in heavy traffic jams on the National Highway and most roads connecting to Malpe, leaving motorists struggling to move through the area.
Examinations in many schools and colleges had concluded, while the Dasara holidays are scheduled to begin on October 11. A further increase in tourist arrivals is expected during the holiday period.
Adi Udupi-Malpe route hit by traffic chaos
The heavy traffic between Adi Udupi and Malpe Beach left commuters struggling. Vehicles remained lined up from Friday evening until late at night.
On Saturday, long queues of vehicles were also seen in the Kalmadi area. Traffic movement had become particularly difficult on Malpe’s narrow roads due to the increased movement of fishing-related ice and fish lorries. The additional pressure from tourist vehicles left motorists struggling to make headway.
Ongoing road widening work near the Kalmadi bridge further hampered traffic movement.
Cleanliness and safety need attention
With tourist numbers increasing by the day, the existing vehicle parking facilities were proving inadequate. Some motorists were using footpaths, highlighting the need for alternative parking arrangements.
The need to give greater priority to cleanliness and safety was also highlighted. Garbage piles around the beach had left visitors displeased and affected the appearance of the popular tourist spot.
Strict measures were needed to prevent people from dumping waste indiscriminately, while greater attention to cleanliness and safety was considered essential as Malpe prepared for a further tourist influx during the Dasara holidays.