Mangaluru Traffic Police Announce Major Overhaul at Nanthoor Junction
In a significant move to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, the Mangaluru traffic police have unveiled plans to remove the existing traffic island at Nanthoor Junction and implement a modern traffic signal system. This critical intersection, where three national highways converge, has long been a bottleneck for vehicle movement in the city.
Decision Driven by Safety and Efficiency Concerns
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) Ravi Shankar K announced the initiative during the monthly meeting for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on Saturday. He emphasized that the current traffic island, with its sloping design, severely disrupts the smooth flow of traffic, particularly for vehicles arriving from Bengaluru that need to execute right turns.
The traffic police have formally requested collaboration from multiple agencies to execute this project. Letters have been sent to the managing director of Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL), the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner, and the project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to coordinate efforts for improving traffic flow at the junction.
Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan
The overhaul includes several key components designed to enhance both mobility and safety:
- Removal of Traffic Island: Eliminating the island to create a more open and navigable intersection.
- Installation of Traffic Signals: MSCL will be responsible for setting up signal lamps to regulate vehicle movement systematically.
- Free Left Movement: Vehicles traveling from the city towards KPT Junction will be permitted free left turns. Similar provisions will be established in all four directions through strategic road widening.
- New Bus Lane: In response to a recent fatal accident involving a bus and a scooter near the Nanthoor bus stand, a dedicated bus lane will be created using available MCC land at the location.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: The junction will receive upgraded road markings, including a zebra crossing, installation of high-mast lamps, and other safety enhancements to protect pedestrians and motorists alike.
DCP Ravi Shankar K underscored that these measures are part of a broader strategy to transform Nanthoor Junction into a safer and more efficient transit point. The integration of traffic signals with free left movements is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve overall traffic discipline.
With the involvement of MCC, MSCL, and NHAI, the project aims to address long-standing issues at one of Mangaluru's busiest intersections, promising a smoother commute for thousands of daily travelers.
