Hubballi Traffic Crisis: Unauthorized Bus Stops Worsen Flyover Construction Delays

Hubballi Traffic Crisis: Unauthorized Bus Stops Worsen Flyover Construction Delays

In the bustling city of Hubballi, the ongoing flyover construction has already created severe traffic congestion, but a new problem has emerged that is making the situation even more dire. Unauthorized bus stoppages have become an additional burden, significantly worsening delays and disrupting smooth vehicular movement across key corridors throughout the city.

Problematic Locations and Their Impact

Several strategic locations have effectively transformed into temporary, unapproved bus stops, creating repeated bottlenecks at already stressed intersections. These include:

• Brindavan Circle
• PB Road
• New English School Circle
• Bankapur Chowk Circle
• Hosur Cross
• Areas near Chennamma Circle
• Other busy junctions throughout the city

These points are witnessing frequent halts by buses operated by the transport department, including city services, intra-district routes, and long-distance buses. The problem is particularly acute because these stoppages occur on narrow stretches and near turning points where traffic requires continuous flow for optimal movement.

How Unauthorized Stops Create Traffic Chaos

When buses stop abruptly or for extended periods to pick up and drop passengers, they occupy active lanes, forcing other vehicles to slow down, merge suddenly, or wait behind them. This creates ripple effects that quickly spread to adjoining roads, increasing travel time for commuters and intensifying congestion during peak hours.

The situation becomes even more chaotic when multiple buses stop at the same spot, often in quick succession, leaving little room for 2-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and cars to pass safely. The lack of designated bays or pull-in areas means buses cannot move off the main carriageway, turning every stop into a temporary roadblock that disrupts the entire traffic flow.

Safety Concerns and Accident Risks

Unauthorized stops also contribute to increasingly unsafe road conditions throughout Hubballi. Passengers are compelled to board or alight in the middle of traffic, while pedestrians gather on the roadside without proper space, signage, or protective barriers. This has substantially increased the risk of accidents, especially in areas where construction activity has already reduced road width and visibility.

With construction-related diversions already testing the city's traffic management capabilities, the unchecked growth of such stoppages undermines any attempt to regulate flow effectively. The combination of narrowed roads due to construction and unauthorized bus stops creates a perfect storm for traffic gridlock and safety hazards.

Official Responses and Challenges

Priyanga M, managing director of NWKRTC, explained that public transport stoppages were identified in consultation with police and PWD officials after inspecting the stoppage venues. She acknowledged that NWKRTC is facing significant problems operating bus services and managing passenger pick-up and drop-off amid the ongoing construction works in Hubballi.

"Once the ongoing development works get over, the situation will turn normal," she added, suggesting that the current challenges are temporary but significant.

From the traffic police perspective, Veeresh, ACP of Hubballi-Dharwad traffic, revealed that they have instructed higher officials several times to ensure buses stop only at designated locations. "Despite repeated requests and instructions, buses of the transport department stop in the middle of roads, which creates traffic chaos," he emphasized, highlighting the enforcement challenges.

Potential Solutions and Way Forward

Addressing this growing crisis requires immediate and coordinated action from multiple stakeholders. Key measures that could help alleviate the situation include:

1. Strict enforcement against unauthorized halts with appropriate penalties
2. Clear identification and marking of approved stopping points
3. Improved coordination between transport authorities and traffic police
4. Creation of temporary designated areas that do not obstruct traffic flow
5. Public awareness campaigns about proper boarding and alighting locations

As Hubballi continues its infrastructure development journey, managing the interim challenges of traffic flow and public transportation becomes crucial for maintaining urban mobility and ensuring citizen safety. The current situation serves as a reminder that infrastructure projects must consider their impact on daily commuting patterns and implement mitigation strategies proactively.