Mangaluru’s four-laning work between Mahaveer Circle at Pumpwell and Karavali Circle remains incomplete more than eight months after it began, leaving commuters to deal with recurring congestion, diversions and safety risks on one of the city’s key approach roads.
The project was scheduled for completion by June 15, but that deadline passed about four months ago. The route from Pumpwell to Karavali Circle has been restricted to traffic since February 15. Vehicles entering the city are being diverted through the old Kankanady road, while vehicles travelling from Karavali Circle towards Pumpwell are allowed to use the partially completed route.
Despite the diversion arrangements, traffic builds up repeatedly through the day, particularly during the morning and evening peaks. Heavy vehicles and other traffic arriving from B.C. Road, along with KSRTC buses heading towards the Lalbagh bus stand, have been instructed to travel through the Padeel Junction–Nanthoor route. Heavy vehicles and KSRTC buses arriving from Kerala and Kasaragod towards Karavali Circle have been directed from Pumpwell Circle through Nanthoor.
The traffic management measures are being undermined by violations on the ground, according to the report. Some buses continue to use the Pumpwell–Karavali Circle road, while buses are stopping on the carriageway near Karavali Circle to pick up passengers. Vehicles are also being parked on sections where only one-way traffic is permitted, adding to the congestion.
The work zone has also raised concerns for pedestrians. The road reportedly did not have a footpath even before the construction began. Residents have further complained that temporary cut-outs and an arch fitted with decorative lighting at a strategic location are making movement more difficult in an already congested stretch. A resident of Naguri, Lakshmish, said the arch and lighting were contributing to difficulties for road users.
Traffic Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravishankar K. said the congestion had also been noticed by the department and that the Public Works Department had been asked to complete the project as soon as possible. He said concreting had been completed on both routes between Karavali Circle and Mahaveer Circle, with work on the median and other final-stage activities still pending.
Public Works Department officials have told the traffic authorities that the remaining work would be completed and the route made available for public use within two weeks, according to the DCP. Until then, traffic officials and pedestrians have raised concerns over vehicles travelling against the permitted direction, especially at night and in the early morning. Pedestrians said such contraflow movement increased the risk of accidents on the one-way section.
