Parking, traffic issues discussed at meet

Mangaluru: Traffic issues haunting the city, including the need for zebra crossings, barricades, and the chaotic parking of vehicles, were discussed during a traffic management meeting chaired by mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur on Wednesday. DCP (crime and traffic) Dinesh Kumar BP and ACP traffic subdivision Najma Farooqi, along with corporators and officials from the Mangaluru City Corporation and Mangaluru Smart City Limited, were present.
Corporator Latheef demanded the reintroduction of two-way traffic from AB Shetty Circle to Rao & Rao Circle, citing the inconvenience caused by the existing one-way system.DCP Dinesh Kumar acknowledged the issue, but noted that the carriageway has been narrowed due to an expanded footpath. He stated that two-way traffic could only be resumed if the footpath width is reduced and the road widened. Chief whip Premananda Shetty stressed the need for speed breakers on the stretch from Clock Tower to AB Shetty Circle. In response, the DCP said that there are plans to install an L-shaped barricade at the exit of the private bus stand to direct buses towards the left, and proposed removing the bus stop at Lady Goschen Hospital to ease congestion.
Corporator Kiran raised the need for a zebra crossing at Kottara Chowki. The DCP responded that they have requested officials to install zebra crossings at openings near medians. Parking concerns were also raised, with complaints about vehicles parked on roads in residential areas causing inconvenience. The DCP suggested that the MCC issue notices to apartments, mandating vehicle parking within premises. He further stated that once designated parking areas are identified by the MCC, traffic police would act against parking violations.
The DCP also urged the MCC to provide ‘No parking’ boards at 20 locations as previously requested. To address unscientific median openings that lead to accidents between KPT and Bondel, the DCP assured that traffic inspectors would inspect the spots and submit a report. Corporator Shashidhar Hegde stressed the importance of a comprehensive traffic management report for all 60 city wards, to be prepared by NITK Surathkal, and used as a basis for future traffic management strategies.
The DCP mentioned unresolved issues such as shifting the bus stop at Bendoorwell Junction to enable the proper functioning of newly installed signal lights at Karavali and Bendoorwell junctions, as well as the need for painting speed humps, filling potholes, and putting in place safety measures like barricades during roadworks. The mayor directed officials to provide the necessary facilities to improve traffic management in the city. Opposition leader Praveen Chandra Alva and other members demanded that the traffic management meeting be held at least once a month. Corporator AC Vinayraj brought to light the traffic issues near Ambedkar Circle and from Balmatta to Ambedkar Circle. Further, the DCP appealed to the corporators to click pictures of vehicles parked haphazardly and send them to the control room at 9480802321.