Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 21: The proposal to restore two-way traffic on the Clock Tower loop road—stretching from Clock Tower via A B Shetty Circle to State Bank—has effectively been shelved. For the past few months, discussions had been ongoing about reverting the four-year-old one-way system back to its earlier two-way arrangement. Those discussions have now, more or less, reached a conclusion.
Under the current one-way system, commuters from Pandeshwar, the railway station, Mangaladevi and surrounding areas heading towards Hampankatte are forced to take the heavily congested State Bank–Rao & Rao–Lady Goschen route, resulting in significant delays. Many in the public had voiced concerns and demanded reinstatement of two-way traffic. Several elected representatives had also expressed support for the change.
However, when the road was converted into a one-way, major structural modifications were carried out. Reversing the system would require dismantling these changes and investing large sums again—an argument that gained strong support.
A few months ago, the issue was raised during the District Road Safety Committee meeting held at the DC office. The deputy commissioner had directed Smart City and Mangaluru City Corporation officials to work with the police commissioner and submit a detailed report on the works and budget required to restore two-way traffic.
According to Smart City officials, no such proposal has been submitted so far. Therefore, the one-way traffic system will continue.
Arguments in favour of reverting to two-way traffic
• One-way traffic has resulted in unnecessary delays for commuters travelling to certain areas.
• Emergency vehicles from Pandeshwar heading to Hampankatte must make a detour via State Bank.
• This has created additional pressure on the State Bank and Lady Goschen areas.
• Fire tenders heading urgently to Hampankatte are also forced to take a long detour.
• Ambulances travelling from Pandeshwar to Wenlock and other hospitals must pass through Rao & Rao Circle.
• Vehicles coming from Hamilton Circle towards the RTO must take a roundabout route.
• Goods vehicles and fish carriers travelling from the port to Pandeshwar must navigate through Rao & Rao Circle, Clock Tower and A B Shetty Circle.
Arguments for retaining the present one-way system
• The one-way system was implemented after considerable study. There is no strong reason to reverse it.
• Major development works have already been carried out to support the one-way system.
• Reverting to two-way traffic would require dismantling existing setups and spending several lakhs of rupees.
Background
• The Clock Tower–A B Shetty Circle–Hamilton Circle–Rao & Rao Circle–Clock Tower stretch is referred to as the loop road.
• Prior to 2021, this stretch allowed two-way traffic.
• In August 2021, the district administration decided to convert it into a one-way road.
• In September 2021, the then city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar issued the official order. Smart City spent crores developing the stretch to support one-way movement.
Status quo to continue
"Discussions were held earlier about restoring two-way traffic on the Clock Tower loop road. However, significant modifications have already been made under the Smart City project to support the one-way system. Reversing the arrangement now would require additional expenditure. Therefore, the road will remain as it is," said Darshan H V, deputy commissioner, Dakshina Kannada.