In a bid to tackle the persistent traffic snarls at key railway crossings, a prominent Mangaluru-based trust has put forward a concrete plan to the district administration. The Shri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust has formally submitted a proposal to the Deputy Commissioner, seeking immediate measures to alleviate the congestion that plagues commuters daily.
Core Proposal: Smart Display Boards for Real-Time Alerts
The trust's president, Seetharam A, outlined that the central recommendation involves installing dynamic display boards on major approach roads leading to problematic railway gates. These locations include Mangaladevi Circle, Morgan's Gate Junction, Hamilton Circle, and State Bank. The boards would use simple, universally understood symbols to alert drivers about impending gate closures and simultaneously guide them towards pre-identified alternative routes, enabling better trip planning.
The proposal, which has been marked to key stakeholders including the local MP, MLAs, Mangaluru City Corporation, Mangaluru Smart City Ltd, and the traffic and railway departments, comes as a direct response to recent public distress. Frequent closures of the railway gates at Pandeshwar and Hoige Bazaar crossings have been causing severe traffic jams, particularly during morning and evening peak hours, leading to significant inconvenience.
Anticipating Future Gridlock and Seeking Collaboration
The trust has highlighted a looming concern: with the Mahakalipadpu Railway Under Bridges (RUBs) nearing completion, traffic flow from the Mangaladevi side is expected to increase substantially. This surge could dramatically worsen the congestion situation at the existing crossings if proactive steps are not taken now.
To ensure the plan's feasibility, the trust has already initiated discussions with officials. A meeting was held recently with Arun Prabha KS, General Manager (Technical) of Mangaluru Smart City Ltd, to explore how the proposal can be implemented using the infrastructure of the Smart City control room. Furthermore, the trust has requested support from the railway department to provide exact train arrival and departure timings for the Pandeshwar and Hoige Bazaar crossings.
Leveraging Technology for Public Benefit
The acquisition of precise train schedules is a critical component of the plan. This data would not only facilitate the creation of accurate, timing-related display boards but would also allow the trust to share regular traffic updates with the public through its social media channels, creating a comprehensive information ecosystem.
With a long-standing history of working on traffic management issues in the city, the Shri Ambamaheshwari Seva Trust has expressed its readiness to collaborate with all concerned departments. The initiative is positioned as a cooperative effort aimed solely at implementing a practical solution for the benefit of Mangaluru's commuting public, turning a chronic problem into an opportunity for smarter urban mobility.
