
DC seeks report on restoring two-way traffic on key M’luru road
The issue of traffic congestion in Mangaluru has been a long-standing one, with many residents and commuters complaining about the lack of adequate infrastructure to manage the flow of vehicles. One of the most affected areas is the Clock Tower to State Bank stretch, which was once a two-way traffic route but was converted to one-way several years ago. The decision, which was intended to ease traffic congestion, has had the opposite effect, causing public inconvenience and frustration.
Recently, the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) held a meeting at Praja Soudha to discuss various issues related to road safety in the city. During the meeting, the issue of converting the Clock Tower to State Bank stretch back into a two-way traffic route was raised, and the Deputy Commissioner of Mangaluru, HV Darshan, issued a directive to submit a detailed report on the matter.
The road, which was once a busy two-way traffic route, was converted to one-way in the past to ease congestion. However, the move has had unintended consequences, including increased congestion, pollution, and accidents. The road is a vital artery of the city, connecting the Clock Tower area to the State Bank area, and is used by hundreds of vehicles every day.
The conversion of the road to one-way has also led to the creation of a bottleneck, as vehicles coming from the Clock Tower area are forced to take a detour to reach the State Bank area, causing congestion and pollution. The move has also affected the local businesses in the area, as customers are finding it difficult to reach their destinations.
The DRSC meeting was attended by representatives from various government departments, including the Police Department, the Public Works Department, and the Municipal Corporation. The meeting was also attended by local residents and commuters who shared their concerns and suggestions on how to improve road safety in the city.
The Deputy Commissioner, HV Darshan, has directed officials to submit a detailed report on the feasibility of converting the Clock Tower to State Bank stretch back into a two-way traffic route. The report is expected to include suggestions on how to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve road safety.
The report will also take into account the views of local residents and commuters, who have been affected by the conversion of the road to one-way. The report will also identify the potential challenges and risks associated with converting the road back to two-way traffic, and propose measures to mitigate them.
The conversion of the road back to two-way traffic will require a comprehensive plan to manage traffic flow, including the installation of traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and other safety measures. The plan will also require the involvement of various government departments, including the Police Department, the Public Works Department, and the Municipal Corporation.
The Deputy Commissioner has given officials a deadline of two weeks to submit the report. The report will be reviewed and discussed at the next DRSC meeting, and a decision will be taken on whether to convert the road back to two-way traffic.
The issue of traffic congestion in Mangaluru is a complex one, and requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to solve. The conversion of the Clock Tower to State Bank stretch back into a two-way traffic route is just one part of the solution, and requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including government officials, local residents, and commuters.
In conclusion, the decision to convert the Clock Tower to State Bank stretch back into a two-way traffic route is a welcome move that will help to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety in the city. The report submitted by officials will provide valuable insights and suggestions on how to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve road safety, and will help to inform the decision-making process.