MSCL tests traffic flow at Hamilton Circle

Mangaluru: Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has introduced a temporary traffic island at Hamilton Circle using stones as part of an experimental traffic management plan. This setup is based on a consultant’s proposal and aims to streamline traffic at a crucial junction where five roads intersect.
An MSCL official told TOI that while the project was initially implemented according to the consultant’s plan, stakeholders have requested certain modifications.These suggestions primarily concern the size of the traffic island, with recommendations to either enlarge or reduce it. To address these concerns, MSCL has initiated a trial by placing temporary stones at the intersection. The purpose of this trial is to allow for any necessary changes or minor adjustments before finalising the design, the official said.
The five roads meeting at this intersection include routes from the city police commissioner’s office (AB Shetty Circle), St. Ann’s School, the Old Port, Nellikai Road, and Rao and Rao Circle. With the relocation of the bus stand and the setting up of a dedicated area for autorickshaws, MSCL believes this is an opportune moment to complete the project.
The official said the trial is expected to last for the next two weeks, during which feedback from stakeholders will be collected. Based on this feedback, the final development plans will be implemented. Once the island’s configuration is finalised, the beautification of Hamilton Circle will follow. Already, stakeholders have reached out to the Mangaluru City Corporation to beautify the junction.
Last year, it was decided that all city and service buses, including KSRTC and contract carriage buses, will henceforth stop only at the service bus stand and will not go via Hamilton Circle and Rao and Rao Circle. As many as 940 buses, including KSRTC, city buses, service and contract carriage buses, stop only at the bus station. The bus station has one entry and two exit points.