Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, June 17: Traffic cones and solar-powered road blinkers installed at key junctions across Udupi to streamline vehicular movement and enhance road safety have instead become a growing menace, with poor maintenance leaving behind hidden hazards that are damaging vehicles and endangering lives.
The problem is most visible at some of the city’s busiest traffic corridors, including Bannanje KSRTC Junction, the National Highway stretch opposite the City Bus Stand, and the free-left turn road connecting Kalsanka and Gundibail.
The plastic traffic cones placed along road medians and junctions to regulate traffic flow have, over time, been struck by vehicles and either broken or completely dislodged. While the damaged cones have disappeared, the iron nuts and bolts used to anchor them remain protruding from the road surface.
These exposed metal fixtures have become a serious threat to motorists. Fast-moving vehicles are reportedly suffering tyre punctures after running over the bolts, often leaving drivers stranded in the middle of busy roads. The danger is even greater for two-wheeler riders, who risk losing control and crashing if their tyres strike the exposed metal unexpectedly.
Adding to the concern, several solar blinkers, commonly known as cat’s eyes and installed to improve visibility for motorists at night, have also been ripped out at various locations. The heavy-duty metal studs used to secure these devices remain jutting out from the roadway, posing yet another hazard to passing traffic and causing damage to tyres.
The onset of the monsoon has further intensified the risk. Rainwater pooling on roads often conceals the protruding bolts and studs, while poor visibility after dark makes them difficult for motorists to detect until it is too late.
Pedestrians not spared
The safety threat extends beyond motorists. At several zebra crossings and designated pedestrian crossing points, damaged blinkers have left behind exposed studs that have become tripping hazards.
According to local residents, pedestrians — particularly elderly people and children — have stumbled over these metal projections in low-light conditions, with some incidents resulting in injuries.
Public demands immediate action
Residents have expressed frustration that infrastructure introduced to improve traffic management and road safety has, through neglect and lack of timely maintenance, become a danger to the very people it was intended to protect.
They have called on the authorities to urgently remove all exposed bolts, nuts and metal studs from the city’s roads and replace the damaged traffic cones before a more serious accident occurs.
Authorities promise action
Responding to public concerns, Hussain Saab, sub-inspector of the Udupi Traffic police station, said several traffic cones installed across the city had been damaged after being struck by vehicles.
He stated that the affected locations would be inspected and any damaged installations found to be posing a risk to public movement would be removed. He also said a proposal would be submitted to the municipal authorities seeking the installation of new traffic cones in the affected areas.