Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV has instructed urban local bodies and the police department to jointly inspect all major junctions and traffic circles across the district. Immediate measures must be taken to ensure smooth vehicular movement, he said while chairing the district road safety committee meeting on Tuesday.
Public Complaints and Corrective Actions
The DC noted that complaints regarding traffic congestion caused by illegal parking, encroachments, and street vending continue to be received from the public. He directed urban local bodies, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), and the police department to conduct joint inspections and implement corrective measures at the earliest.
NHAI Initiatives on NH-66
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project director Abdulla Javed Azmi informed the meeting that several measures have been taken to improve traffic flow between Haleangadi and Talapady on NH-66. These include the closure of median openings that were contributing to accidents. He added that construction of an underpass connecting the national highway to the Baikampady Industrial Area is in progress. Widening of Nanthoor Junction and construction of a service road from KPT to Nanthoor are also underway.
Encroachment Removal Demanded
Committee members urged authorities to remove highway encroachments by traders at Kallapu, Jeppinamogaru, and Thokkottu junctions. These encroachments have been causing bottlenecks and safety hazards.
Wastewater from Fish-Laden Trucks
Traffic police officials informed the meeting that complaints continue regarding foul smell and inconvenience caused by wastewater leaking from fish-laden trucks. Industry representatives have suggested constructing septic tanks at Talapady and Mulki, similar to facilities available along highways in Kerala, to prevent wastewater from being discharged onto roads. The DC directed officials to examine this proposal.
Redesign of State Bank-Hamilton Circle
The DC also directed officials to examine the NITK report on the scientific redesign of the State Bank-Hamilton Circle. He asked the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to act on the proposal without delay. Regarding the proposed Pumpwell bus stand, the DC said work should be expedited on the seven-acre site earmarked for the project. Two acres have been allotted to KSRTC, and the remaining five acres will be used for a private bus stand. He directed officials of the corporation and KSRTC to take necessary action at the earliest.
Footpath Encroachment Drives
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said drives against footpath encroachments by street vendors are being conducted regularly in Hampankatta, State Bank, and Central Market areas. Only vendors possessing corporation-issued identity cards will be permitted to operate, he stated.
New Bus Stand at Mangaladevi
Traffic police officials said discussions have been held with bus operators on shifting services to the newly constructed bus stand at Mangaladevi, which is expected to become operational soon. This move is anticipated to decongest the city center.
Accident-Prone Locations
Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K said the police department has already submitted reports to the NHAI and the Public Works Department (PWD) identifying accident-prone locations. He called for immediate remedial measures to enhance road safety.
Enforcement Drives and Licence Suspensions
Joint enforcement drives by the police and RTO between 2025 and April 30, 2026, resulted in 1,855 drunken driving cases, 99 cases of overcrowding in school vehicles, 12 cases involving tinted glass, 201 cases related to shrill horns, and 184 cases of overloading. During the same period, Dakshina Kannada recorded 433 fatal road accidents. Authorities have suspended 384 driving licences as part of these enforcement actions.
