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Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Nov 29: The long-pending demand for a traffic signal at Kalsanka Junction was finally fulfilled, with the new signal system becoming operational from November 29.

Kalsanka Junction, a crucial meeting point for vehicles coming from Udupi–Manipal, Manipal–Udupi, Udupi–Ambagilu, Ambagilu–Udupi and Sri Krishna Math, has long faced severe congestion. Heavy vehicle movement from all four directions often led to traffic jams and prolonged waiting times for commuters, especially during peak hours. Responding to repeated public appeals, the Udupi district police wrote a letter to the city municipality. Acting on this request, the municipal authorities installed a functional traffic signal system to streamline vehicular movement.

Udupi district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, along with DySP Prabhu D T, Udupi City Municipality Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi, and other officials, inspected the functioning of the newly installed signals and discussed necessary enhancements. Markings for vehicle stop lines, pedestrian crosswalks, and free-left lanes will be completed soon. The older traffic poles, which have caused confusion among commuters, will be removed.

The signals have already eased traffic movement at the junction; however, the timing cycles are still being monitored and will be adjusted based on traffic density and convenience.

Speaking to the media, SP Hariram Shankar said, “People have been demanding a signal at Kalsanka for a long time. The preceding SP, Arun Kumar, had written to the City Municipality requesting the installation of a signal, and they acted accordingly. Today we have begun operations. Since it is a weekend, traffic is naturally higher. Stop lines and zebra crossings will be marked. For vehicles coming from the Udupi City Bus Stand towards Ambalpady, a free-left will be created, as bridge construction is underway in that stretch.”

SP Hariram further added that initial observations show traffic build-up extending towards Shiribeedu, which could affect vehicles arriving from the Kediyoor side, and the department is studying this issue closely. “Citizens will take some time to adjust to the new system. Currently, traffic signals at Kalsanka and Syndicate Circle have been installed, and the Syndicate Circle signal will soon be functional. The Municipality installed these signals at the request of the police department. Five major junctions have been identified for signals, of which two have been sanctioned. We are awaiting approval for the remaining junctions, and we are also studying the timing cycle for the signal,” he said.

Authorities have urged the public to strictly follow the newly operational traffic signals to ensure smooth and safe movement.