Mangalore: Unending Traffic Woes at Nanthoor Junction


Mangalore: Unending Traffic Woes at Nanthoor Junction

Special Correspondent
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, May 30: It looks as though the lethargic attitude of Mangaloreans to its never ending problems of roads and the mindset of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials, the District Administration and the City Corporation are perfectly made for each other. Nanthoor junction which exemplifies traffic chaos at its zenith is just one simple example of this kind of attitude. While the public is guilty of allowing the problem to persist for eons, the remaining three are equally responsible for the anarchy to continue for years together with their “I don’t care a fig kind of stance”.

This important junction, which is an intersection for the three major highways of Mangalore – NH 17, NH 48 and NH 13, is in total disarray causing hardship, inconvenience and total chaos to the motorists and general public. Accidents are common, and in fact, a lady fell off her two-wheeler right in the middle of the road on Wednesday May 30, amidst busy traffic. She is one of the many many people, especially those on two-wheelers, who find it difficult to negotiate this stretch of the road.

Though the Nanthoor Junction problem is a long standing one with IRKON going on with its project at snail’s pace (or still slower) the new circle done a few months ago on this junction has further complicated the matter. Finding solution to this chaos in its present condition looks unthinkable and impossible.

This junction assumes significance mainly because all the three Highways passing through Mangalore hit Nanthoor junction. Apart from traffic emanating from the Highways there is also the traffic that comes from the city making it a four-way-traffic junction. Vehicles come from Pumpwell, Kulshekar-Kaikamba, Nanthoor polytechnic and from Hampankatta-Kankanady through Shivbagh intersect through this junction. There is an incomplete triangle at the junction from the road approaching from Pumpwell, which is causing inconvenience and confusion to the drivers especially newcomers. Earlier, traffic from Pumpwell used to go straight on this road on NH 17. Recently IRKON has done a circle (incomplete) at the mouth of the junction and traffic from Pumpwell is directed through the circle. Just a few steps ahead there is a triangle which is in total mess. This triangle bifurcate the road coming from Shivbagh and the road coming the Junction from Nanthoor-Polytechnic towards the junction. IRCON which is by known for its incompetence and inferior quality of work has left the space in between these two roads undone causing uneven space and creating confusion.


Confusion - Who to blame?

Before this circle was created traffic from Nanthoor Politechnic used to join the state road going towards Shivabagh at this triangle and there was not much confusion. Now, the problem has been vitiated because after the formation of the circle traffic movement has not been changed in commensurate with the formation of the circle. As a result, traffic from Shivbagh passes through without going around the circle. Similarly in the absence of a median which IRCON has failed to provide, traffic from Nanthoor polytechnic also doesn’t pass through the junction but takes a diversion at the uneven triangle side, which is also quite risky. Because traffic from Pumpwell now diverted to the new circle intersects with traffic from Nanthoor Politechnic at an unsafe place. Unsafe because the gap has narrowed between the road from Shivbagh heading to Nanthoor Politechnic and Pumpwell on one side and from that of Nanthoor Politechnic from the opposite direction. “The problem would have been solved if IRKON had extended its median work from Nanthoor Politechnic up to the circle, but now they have left the corners open and this has caused problems to motorists, the public and also the traffic police” says PSI Traffic Gopalakrishna Bhat.

It looks as though lack of coordination between NHAI on one hand and City Corporation and MESCOM on the other is the root cause for this state of affairs. One may even ask whether these people know the true meaning of co-ordination or how to work in tandem with different departments. Otherwise, the problem would not have prolonged for so long. ACP Traffic G V Subrahmanyam says that the problem Nanthoor Junction will be acute during rainy season as the road from Padavu is slanted causing water logging at the beginning of the road leading to Kulshekar Kaikamba. Moreover since it is a highway signal light at the junction is not permitted. Come rain and in addition to the present problem there will be more disorder.

M Dharmaraj, one of the principal consultants with Mangalore City Corporation opines that Nanthoor Junction needs a 3-level grade separator intersection to enable smooth flow of traffic on this busy junction. There has to be service roads and underpass to provide connectivity to the proposed transport hub.


Collective Failure

Looking at this problem we can say it is the collective failure of NHAI, the district administration, the Corporators and the ruling party at the Mangalore City Corporation. NHAI, which is mainly responsible for the present logjam acts as if it is not prone to criticism. When contacted Project Director P N Gawasane pointed out that IRKON is still working on this road and hence the disarray and there is still some problem with regard to shifting of BSNL cables. But Gawasane would do well to know that the pace at which IRKON is working using only 1 or 2 workers instead of employing 50 to 100 at a time, the work will never see the end of the day.

That the NHAI & City Corporation and District administration is at loggerheads is known from the fact that there are hurdles on the proposed Nanthoor Pumpwell Integrated Transport Hub. Sources say that City Corporation had given a proposal to NHAI for a 3 level grade separator intersection quite some time back, even before the finalization of the highway plan. NHAI had even promised to intimate to MCC before finalizing its highway plan. Reliable sources say that when MCC wanted only for 45 meters of right of way (row) for providing service roads on both sides and grade separator intersection NHAI insisted on 60 meters of right of way. Both the district administration and state government have failed miserably in this task and one fine day we may get to read that the proposed project is shelved.

The general public is as much to be blamed for this present impasse at Nanthoor Junction. In a similar situation people in Kerala or in some other states would have taken to streets and would not rested until the problem was set right. Let us hope our MP’s from Mangalore and Udupi, central minister Veerappa Moily and even the state Chief Minister take up the issue on priority basis galvanizing public support and in public interest. It is time we Mangaloreans shed our lethargy, indifference and give up our nebbish approach to issues of public safety and concern.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Gerald, modankap-bantval

    Thu, May 31 2012

    JILEBEE JUNCTION NICE NAME NAAAA !!! YOU SHOULD NAME AFTER ALL THE ROUNDABOUTS IN AND AROUND MANGALORE COZ ONE WHO ENTERS THIS ROUNDABOUT HE WILL KEEP ON CIRCLING IN CONFUSION WHERE TO EXIT !!! JILEBEE JUNCTION NICE NAME !!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudharsan Shetty, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Thu, May 31 2012

    Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai our transport minister went to dubai only once. Pls dont make hue and cry of that he will be always in dubai. When it comes to road it has been improved a lot now in mangalore now especially during BJP govt rule. Whereas it takes sometime to cover the backlogs of your secular party kangress of last 60 years. When it comes Mr Ashok he will definately much intelligent than you for sure.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • antony arun d'souza, Dubai

    Thu, May 31 2012

    Once again same pictures,same police,same people on roads,same autos,bikes,drums,concrete pipes,traffic police umbrellas,tractors,buses,advertising hoardings,lorrys,pot holes with water,bent street lights,umbrellas...only missing thing this time is dogs,cows,donkeys,snakes,beggers and elephants.

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jacob Mendonsa, Bangalore/Udipi/Abu dhabi

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Mr.Rakesh Shetty,
    Nantoor Junction traffic woes r not new.I have been noticing this ever since I came back to Mangalore in 2008 & driving on this road daily.Hence it is not nice to blame madam Gulzar Banu.Why this problem was not solved by privious Mayors.I am sure our MP Mr.Naleen Kumar is already in Delhi to solve this proble, as I understand he is very efficient & farsighted with long term vision.I am sure that there will be no traffic chaos,when I drive in Mangalore next month.
    Mr.Nagesh,yes U may right that MMS is planning to retire at 80year but Italian lady is very considerate to extend the PM's age limit upto 100years so that our aspiring pakistan born can become our prime minister at that age.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vishal, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    A simple under pass at this junction for vehicles moving on national high way 17 could reduce 50% of the traffic congestion.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • AMAR NATHAL, MANGALORE

    Wed, May 30 2012

    If Nanthoor junction does not need, deserve and does not favour easy fly over, then I wonder what juction does?
    Rajesh Shetty Mangalore, when did the Mangalore Mayor get the authority and responsibility to construct flyovers to National highway? If Naveen Kateel can do and will do it, what was he doing so far? may be you were busy with him instigating communal elements!

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dilip RV, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Deviating from this topic, I would like to bring in a different issue here.
    -Picture a situation, wherein you are driving along the National Highway in Mangalore. Suddenly a vehicle overtakes you recklessly, literally pushing you off the track or possibly down into the gorge. You honk angrily and follow the vehicle. When you reach close to the vehicle, you read the registration number - "KL 14 ****"
    How many of us have experienced this?

    I have never been able to understand:
    *Why these KL-14 vehicles are always in an eternal hurry and reckless?
    *Are they really such great drivers that they usually miss our vehicle by a few inches while overtaking?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunil, mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Santhu, Mangalore,

    I am watching your oscaranna every 1 or 2 months once in bejai kapikad,he is oftenly coming to his relative home.

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhu, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Just a couple of weeks back our good MP Osacar Anna inspected the spot and said the needull would be done. May be another Five Year Plan. He is in Mangalore very often on private visits at Government costs, can somebody remind him please .....

    DisAgree [8] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • zain, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, May 30 2012

    3 years back I was expert driver in these roads, now when I see that round about I am scared.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Johnson Padiaty, Bajjodi

    Wed, May 30 2012

    It is not right to point out the lady who fell off her two-wheeler. One can clearly see the 'L' on the front side of the two-wheeler indicating that she is still learning to ride it. The important thing is not that she falls but that she gets back on her two-wheeler because glory comes from rising each time we fall.

    On the topic of the junction itself, why blame the people's attitude? The author says the solution is 'unthinkable and impossible.' Attitude cannot make the impossible possible. Instead, blame the half-completed works of the NHAI, district admin and city corp, etc. What the people can do about all these?

    The fly-over idea is a non-starter. As it is, so much chaos. Imagine same with fly-over construction and equipments in addition. What a situation!

    Kindly request dear Daijiworld to look into the qualifications of those responsible for drawing up the plans for roundabout with triangle bifurcate. What experience these people have with traffic patterns and congestions? Surely there are more complicated junctions in this world. Who rectified all these? And, if they are in just as big a mess, then maybe people's attitude makes most sense.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gopal Sherigar, Paniyadi Udupi/Mumbai

    Wed, May 30 2012

    On going through pictures it seems we do not have traffic sense at all. Each and everyone want to reach his/her destination immediately. If you are duty bound to abide by the traffic rules I don't think there will be such chaos.

    It is not only Nanthoor Junction or any traffic island if no traffic discipline commuters/riders will face such problem. Commit yourself to the traffic sense you will find a vast change in the attitude of co-riders and ease the pressure on the riders.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • noel, mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    the solution is very simple traffic from kpit side going towards mangalore bendor needs to come down and take a right turn with that the problem is solved but then we people never follow rules its wrong to blame authorities mangalorean traffic sense is the worst for them its always selfish motives that they have the first right of way

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lester D'Souza, Kulshekar, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    I find it ridiculous that when the entire world is eleiminating circles and implementing intersections for smooth flow of traffic we in India and Mangalore in particular are building bigger circles! Obviously we will have bigger traffic jams. The international thumb rule is bigger the circle bigger will be the traffic jams especially if the circle size is disproportionate to the width of the road and Mangalore is full of these examples.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh shetty, mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    @ anamika, Mangalore.

    NOTHING TO WORRY, YOUR CORRUPT GULZAR BANU CAN'T DO ANYTHING. SHE IS GOOD ONLY FOR INAUGURATING SHOP, ATTENDING PARTY ETC.

    I AM SURE DVS AND NALEEN KUMAR WILL TAKE ACTION FOR THIS, ONLY IF PUBLIC DEMANDS. SOON FLY OVER WILL LAUNCH HERE. JUST WAIT AND WATCH.

    DisAgree [20] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Patrick Gabriel, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Nanthoor junction, -that's why the ORIGINAL HISTORICAL, NAME WAS"NANTHOOR CROSS", ITS really a CROSS!as children ,we would climb the Hill to Pray at the Site

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ahmed, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    A flyover on National Highway is imminent for this junction. Not one sided like the one in Kulur or Surathkal. The flyover should be on both carriageways. There is no better solution than a flyover.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Don, Udupi/Blore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    one more mega structures in More after Noodle shaped flyovers :)

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gerald, modankap-bantval

    Wed, May 30 2012

    THIS IS NOT ONLY NANTHOOR MY DEAR REPORTER !!! THIS IS EVERYWHERE IN AND AROUND MANGALORE CITY !!! VERY POOR INFRASTRUCTURE UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF BJP !!! UNFORTUNATELY WHICH IS BUSY WITH COCK FIGHTING FOR THE CHAIR - BUSY WITH POOJAS - YAGAS AT KALLADKA !!! MADAM BHANU IS DOING HER BEST AS MAYOR AND GOD GIVE HER STRENGTH, HEALTH AND COURAGE.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunil, mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    heheheheh....confusion junction.... the gr8 IRCON... KAUN idea diya hai.... usko punch marega sab mangalorians

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lancelot N Tauro, Manglore - Doha Qatar

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Look at the pic. of Round about and the traffic flow. Look like crazy roundabout.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vishal, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    I fully agree with this author. Only a couple of days back, I faced similar problem. I was turning my vehicle towards Kadri side while coming from Surathkal and got a shock to see that the vehicles are coming from the Eastern side to hit me head on. Luckily, my better half was sitting beside me and guided appropriately to sneak through!!

    It is high time to come to the road in protest. If it does not work out, then, every one has to slap or throw a stone at the people concerned. This is to be done before innocent lifes are lost which is only a matter of time. There is no other go.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Will some one tell these donkeys how to implement traffic on a roundabout.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jawar D'Souza, M'lore/Doha

    Wed, May 30 2012

    I think we can name this as Crazy Junction like the one we had in Doha, Crazy Roundabout.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • anamika, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Mr. Rakesh Shetty got one more opportunity to blame mayor Gulzar Banu...

    DisAgree [10] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh Devadiga, Mangalore / Muscat

    Wed, May 30 2012

    THIS IS CALLED MANGALORE'S BIG JILEBI JUNCTION.LOOK AT THE VEHICLE'S DIRECTION, DRIVERS DONT KNOW WHICH SIDE TO MOVE & TAKE TURN, O GOD LOOK AT THE TRAFIC POLICE, HE IS ROAMING ALL OVER THE CIRCLE. BIG EANTAINMENT CIRCLE. I TRAVELLED IN THIS CIRCLE MANY TIMES & ENJOYED ALSO. ALL PEOPLE OF MANGALORE ONCE IN LIFE SHOULD TAKE ONE CIRCLE IN THIS JUNCTION.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh Poojary, Kundapura/Bengaluru

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Whom to blame?

    - Mayor for her ineffectiveness.
    - UPA for doing nothing.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dilip RV, Mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Nanthoor Junction...>>>
    Mysterious curves,
    Confusing gradients
    Unfinished edges,
    A real "Death Trap".
    But what baffles me is the most is that the same Nanthoor junction is the favourite spot of the Traffic Police for "Document Checking"!! The road after the junction towards Pumpwell is narrow nowadays, but the Traffic Police abruptly stop the heavy vehicles for "checking". The heavy vehicles stop very quickly because of advanced braking systems, but two-wheelers who are right behind them are at high risk. This happened to me two times recently. I request the Traffic Police and the Administration to please take note and take necessary action.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Sadananda gowdre onthe kudladanchi toopara...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Special Correspondent, Special Correspondent, Where have you been?
    I have been to London, to see the Queen!
    Lethargy is it a cousin of allergy? No- Mangaloreans are not lethargic! See the attendance at Malls, Multiplexes or say even 'bars' to make an analysis! You will be proved wrong!
    MPs, CM, etc etc always have 'other' priorities than the welfare of the 'citizenry'-do you want more proof than the recent happenings?
    So with these two instances at the outset, it's not ' I Don't
    care a 'fig'' but goes furhter to say 'Go break a twig'!
    Furhter NHAI, Irkon-choddo yaar!
    They will be 'bit' by the same 'bug' here won't they? Not from an imported one or a one from 'Kerala'!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mangalore/Mapusa/Mumbai

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Our Transport Minister is seen very often in Dubai.
    I wish he could spend some time in Dubai to learn and observe how traffic is managed rather than

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ceraj, Mangalore,India

    Wed, May 30 2012

    Create underpass or flyover for highway traffic...I know it will take 20-25 yrs to build in Karnataka but that's the only option to avoid traffic in that nanthoor junction

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mangalorian, Manglore/Jubail

    Wed, May 30 2012

    If you want to solve the problem there is solution. Traffic signal should be placed before three road intersection, so that traffic from each road intersecting the circle can approach the circle when their turn comes. It will delay the motorist by may be 2 min. but you can avoid the conjestion.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • jamil ahmed, udupi/qatar

    Wed, May 30 2012

    There is a traffic signal (as seen in the PIC) why not this can be made functional by removing the round about which is a nuisance. Why not we plan for a underpass with four lanes on either side of the highway.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • nagesh nayak, bangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    NHAI, RAILWYAS,AIR INDIA ETCC.. ARE CONTROLLED BY ITALIAN LED UPA & INEVITABLY PROBLEMS WILL BE THERE.

    IN FUTURE ALL PROBLEMS WILL BE SOLVED.

    MMS IS GOING TO RETIRE FROM POLITICS IF ALLEGATION PROOVED AGAINST HIM BY ANNA TEAM.

    PSUEDOS CAN YOU CLARIFY THE FOLLOWING:

    YOUR MMS IS ALREADY 80 PLUS & TALKING ABOUT EARLY RETIREMENT ?

    RETIREMENT AGE SET @ 100 YEARS BY ITALIAN LED CONGRESS.

    MMS WAS RETIRED BEFORE APPOINTMENT.

    HE WAS DUMMY & PUPPET .

    ALL DECISIONS ARE TOOK BY SOMEONE ELSE & INDIA WAS RUINED TO THE CORE.

    DisAgree [24] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh shetty, mangalore

    Wed, May 30 2012

    REQUIRED FLY OVER FOR THIS JUNCTION.

    I AM SURE COMING DAYS THIS PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED SOON.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangalore: Unending Traffic Woes at Nanthoor Junction



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