Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner Issues March Deadline for Highway Safety Projects
In a decisive move to enhance road safety and alleviate congestion, Mangaluru Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV has directed officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to accelerate work on critical national highway projects. Chairing the District Road Safety Committee meeting at the DC's office on Thursday, DC Darshan set a strict deadline for completion.
24 Key Projects Identified to Curb Accidents
The meeting highlighted 24 identified projects aimed at preventing accidents at various points along the national highways. These initiatives include road widening, construction of bypasses, and installation of flyovers. However, progress on some major works has been stalled due to persistent traffic issues at key locations, exacerbating congestion problems across the region.
DC Darshan issued a firm directive, mandating that all projects must be finalized by the end of March. He emphasized the necessity of coordinated support from the traffic police to ensure timely execution and minimal disruption to daily commuters.
Infrastructure Updates and New Developments
NHAI Project Director Abdulla Javed Azmi provided updates on ongoing constructions. He reported that work on the new Kuloor bridge is advancing rapidly, with one section nearing completion. Additionally, a six-lane highway stretching from Kuloor to Baikampady is currently under construction, featuring service roads on both sides to improve accessibility.
Azmi also confirmed that approval has been secured for a new railway underpass at the junction where the highway turns towards the Baikampady industrial area. The tender process for this underpass is already underway, signaling imminent commencement of construction.
Additional Directives and Traffic Violation Data
The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials from the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to promptly install street lights along the Kuloor–Nanthoor stretch, enhancing visibility and safety for nighttime travelers.
During the meeting, officials presented alarming statistics on traffic violations recorded until October 30, 2025. A total of 720 drunk-driving cases were documented, resulting in fines exceeding Rs 17.3 lakh. Furthermore, 8,066 cases involving tinted glass on vehicles were reported, leading to penalties totaling over Rs 38.3 lakh.
Future Plans and Attendees
NHAI was advised to collaborate with traffic police to install signals at the Kallapu, Jappinamogaru, and Mahakalipadpu junctions, aiming to streamline traffic flow and reduce accident risks. It was also disclosed that the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is constructing truck terminals at Tannirbhavi and Baikampady to address truck parking challenges.
The meeting saw participation from key officials including SP K Arun, Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi Arya, MUDA Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, and DCP (Crime and Traffic) Ravi Shankar K, underscoring a unified approach towards improving road safety and infrastructure in Mangaluru.
