Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner (DC) H.V. Darshan has instructed Smart City and Mangaluru City Corporation officials to submit a report within a week on the possibility of converting the one-way road stretch between Clock Tower and State Bank junction back into a two-way route. The directive was issued during a District Road Safety Committee meeting held at the DC office on Thursday.
The DC noted that the road, previously a two-way, was converted to one-way, resulting in a spike in public complaints and traffic disruptions. He asked officials to consult with the Police Commissioner and assess the infrastructure changes and funding required to restore the two-way system.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Siddharth Goyal pointed out that several key establishments, including the police station and fire service office, are situated on the affected stretch. He said the one-way traffic system forces emergency vehicles to take unnecessary detours. He also highlighted that the roadside has become an informal parking area for buses and other vehicles, worsening the congestion.
Officials from the Smart City project informed the meeting that the stretch was redeveloped for one-way use and has already been handed over to the Mangaluru City Corporation. In response, the DC directed immediate follow-up on redesigning Hamilton Circle at State Bank junction, based on a technical report submitted by NITK.
NHAI Project Director Javid Abdullah, also present at the meeting, said an underpass has been sanctioned at Jokatte Cross near Baikampady to facilitate smoother access for vehicles entering the industrial zone. He informed that the tender process for the project is currently underway.
The DC also addressed other major traffic concerns across the city. He was informed that permanent road dividers are being installed at the Hampankatta signal junction, while iron railings will be fixed to road dividers at Karavali Junction, Bunts Hostel Junction, and Balmatta Junction within the next month. Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said bus stops near these busy junctions will also be shifted to ease traffic flow.
Darshan emphasized the need for permanent action against footpath encroachments by shops and street vendors, rather than relying on repeated clearance drives. He directed the city corporation to implement long-term enforcement measures.
Traffic bottlenecks caused by illegal parking of trucks along Kuloor–Baikampady Road, Panambur Beach Road, and Tannirbhavi Road were also discussed. The DC said that the administration will hold discussions with NMPT to provide designated truck parking space within port authority land.
Further, the DC instructed the city corporation to address complaints regarding non-functional streetlights along the highway stretch from Baikampady to Surathkal and ensure proper maintenance.
He also directed the traffic police inspectors from all four city traffic stations to jointly prepare and submit a comprehensive report identifying key traffic issues in their jurisdictions and suggesting solutions.
On concerns over overcrowded school buses, the DC said reports must be obtained from each school regarding the number of students being transported in their vehicles.
As part of an ongoing enforcement drive, action is being taken against vehicles with tinted windows. Police officials warned that if a crime occurs in a car with tinted glass, not only the vehicle owner but also the vendor who installed the tinting would be made an accused in the case.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K., Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department Raghavendra Naik, Assistant Commissioner Harshavardhan, committee member Gopalakrishna Bhat, and officials from various departments.