MANGALORE: The frequent traffic blockades near Kottara Chowki on the Mangalore-Suratkal NH 17 since the past one month and the failure of the police department in easing the traffic congestion, has been testing the patience of the general public.
Long queues of vehicles upto a distance of one km from Kulur to the overbridge at Kottara Chowki is a common sight every morning and evening during peak hours making travel on this road tiresome. The main reason for the traffic blockade is the cranes and other machinery meant for the over bridge works that often come on the middle of the road . Though the traffic blockade could be averted by timely intervention by the cops, the fact is that traffic police are precarious by their absence here. Moreover, to add to the woes is the act of some motorists particularly two wheeler riders who try to steer through any little space available for them. It is also a common sight to see the drivers quarrel with each other over the issue.
Whither traffic police?
Till recently, traffic police were seen near the Kottara Chowki over bridge in waiting for vehicles that violate traffic rules. But these days even these traffic policemen are missing. Several motorists who are tired of the frequent blockades are questioning why traffic cops are not deputed in such a busy area.
The same woe at Kulur
The same is the problem even at Kulur Bridge. Traffic woes are aggravated due to the pathetic state of the road in front of the Ayyappa Temple near the bridge, forcing the vehicles to slow down, in turn leading to traffic blockade. The fly-over works at Kulur too is progressing at a snail’s pace, making matters further worse. It is common to see motorists circus on the narrow road available for them, as the fly-over work is in progress on one side while the other side is unmotorable due to large trenches.
This in fact is an important inter-state highway that links the city to Mumbai and Tiruvananthapuram. Moreover, if there is a traffic blockade simultaneously at Kottara Chowki and Kulur then it takes hour together for the tariff to clear.
The affected motorists and general public have been requesting the authorities since long to solve this problem at the earliest. But, are the authorities listening ?
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