Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, May 15: Deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K Vidyakumari has expressed her displeasure with officials for not following orders related to the installation of signal lights at the Ambalpady and Kalsanka junctions.
Chairing a meeting on road safety in the district and referring to the delay in installing traffic signal lights at five key junctions in Udupi city, she expressed dissatisfaction and urged the immediate installation of signals at the Kalsanka and Ambalpady junctions. She instructed officials to expedite road safety works under the State Road Safety Authority’s action plan, which has seen no progress so far.
To prevent road accidents and ensure smooth and safe vehicular movement, Dr Vidyakumari directed officials to implement all necessary precautionary measures, including the installation of road signboards and execution of safety-related works.
Dr Vidyakumari emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic safety norms. "Public adherence to traffic regulations and maintaining designated speed limits can greatly enhance road safety," she said.
She highlighted the need to prioritize scientific improvements in identified accident-prone (black spot) areas, such as installing speed breakers and signboards wherever necessary. The DC revealed that the driving licenses of 82 individuals involved in accidents due to over-speeding or negligent driving had been suspended for six months.
Concerns were also raised about city buses operating at high speeds and stopping indiscriminately, leading to traffic congestion and potential accidents. Dr Vidyakumari instructed regional transport and police officers to take appropriate legal action in this regard.
Addressing the issue of commercial establishments misusing designated parking areas within large commercial buildings for business purposes, she noted that despite prior notices, corrective actions have not been taken. "This forces customers and business owners to park vehicles on roads, obstructing smooth traffic flow," she stated, directing the city municipal commissioner to issue final notices and initiate legal action as per the rules.
The DC also took note of complaints regarding unauthorized fees being collected from auto rickshaw drivers—reportedly ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,00,000—for parking rights at Udupi auto stands. She clarified that auto stand land belongs to the government and falls under the city municipality's jurisdiction. “No one should collect money unlawfully. Auto stands should function on a rotation basis, allowing equal access to all,” she added, instructing the municipal commissioner to take action.
She further directed taluk tahsildars to ensure that compensation is provided promptly under the Solatium Scheme to the dependents of victims and injured persons involved in hit-and-run cases.
The meeting was attended by Udupi district superintendent of police Dr Arun K, ASP Parameshwar Hegde, DFO Ganapathi, executive engineer Kiran S, joint director of the department of industries Nagaraj V Naik, NHAI project director Abdulla Mohammad Azmi, contractors, and other officials.