DC Orders Feasibility Report on Converting Clock Tower–State Bank Stretch to Two-Way Traffic
Key issues discussed at District Road Safety Committee meeting in Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 10, 2025: Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan has instructed officials to submit a report within a week on the feasibility of converting the currently one-way stretch from Clock Tower to State Bank junction into a two-way traffic road. The directive came during the District Road Safety Committee meeting chaired by the DC at the Prajavani Hall in the DC office on Thursday.
The DC pointed out that the route previously allowed two-way traffic, and public complaints have been received highlighting inconvenience caused by the one-way system. He asked Smart City and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) officials to consult with the Police Commissioner and prepare a detailed report on the work and funding required for the change.
Emergency access a concern
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Siddharth Goyal highlighted that important offices such as the police station and fire station are located near Clock Tower, and the one-way route forces emergency vehicles to take longer detours. He also noted that a part of the road has turned into an unofficial parking zone for buses and other vehicles.
Smart City officials explained that the road had already been developed as a one-way stretch and the work was handed over to the MCC.
Hamilton Circle redesign and road divider improvements
DC Darshan also instructed immediate action based on a technical report received from NITK for redesigning Hamilton Circle (State Bank junction) scientifically.
MCC officials said that permanent barricades have already been installed at Hampankatta signal. Additionally, iron railings will be installed within a month to divide roads at Karavali Junction, Bunts Hostel Junction, and Balmatta Junction. Bus stops at these junctions will also be shifted to nearby suitable locations, as per DC’s direction.
Action against footpath encroachments
The DC emphasized that street vendors and shops encroaching upon footpaths must be removed. He directed the MCC to take permanent action instead of conducting frequent eviction drives.
Update on Baikampady underpass and parking issues
Javed Abdulla, Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), informed the meeting that an underpass has been approved near Jokatte Cross in Baikampady to facilitate vehicle movement into the industrial area. Tendering is underway.
To ease congestion caused by truck parking on Kulur–Baikampady Road, Panambur Beach Road, and Tannirbhavi Road, the DC said discussions would be held with NMPT authorities to provide dedicated truck parking space on port-owned land.
The DC also instructed MCC officials to address the issue of non-functional street lights along the Baikampady–Surathkal stretch.
Comprehensive traffic report sought
The DC directed inspectors from all four traffic police stations in Mangaluru city to jointly prepare and submit a detailed report on key traffic issues and solutions in their respective jurisdictions.
Concerns over overcrowded school transport
Reports have been received about overcrowding in school buses and vans. The DC ordered school-wise data to be collected on the number of students being transported and for necessary action to be taken.
Strict action on tinted glass
A crackdown is underway on vehicles with tinted windows. DCP Siddharth Goyal stated that tint films are being removed and fines imposed. Showrooms and auto accessory dealers have been warned against fitting tinted glass. If a crime occurs in a tinted vehicle, the installer will also be held legally responsible, he warned.
Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K, Executive Engineer of PWD Raghavendra Naik, MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik, Assistant Commissioner Harshavardhan, and other department officials and committee members including Gopalakrishna Bhat were present at the meeting.
