Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Feb 5: Following the successful implementation of traffic signal systems at Kalsanka and Manipal Syndicate Circle, the Udupi police department has decided to expand the traffic management project to other parts of Udupi city and the district. As part of the initiative, work will shortly begin at the Balayipade and Ambagilu junctions, with four more junctions to be taken up in the next phase.
Earlier, during 2020–21, there was a proposal to install traffic signals at 12 locations within the Udupi city limits. However, considering the city’s narrow roads and the potential for traffic congestion, the plan was initially restricted to only two junctions. With positive results now evident, the department has decided to proceed with expanding the project.
In the first phase, traffic signal lights have already been installed at the Balayipade and Ambagilu junctions, though the installation of a few remaining poles is still pending. At Balayipade, the police department has directed the Highways Department to complete road crossing line markings to ensure smooth traffic movement.
The police department has also written to the Udupi City Municipal Council seeking the removal of old, large-sized traffic signal poles installed earlier. Under the new plan, traffic signals will be installed at six major junctions: Balayipade Junction, Ambagilu Junction, Padubidri Junction, Brahmavar Akashavani Junction, Kota Murkai Junction, and Sangam in Kundapura.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said, “At present, the traffic signal system along with the free-left arrangement at Kalsanka has been successfully completed and inaugurated by MLA Yashpal Suvarna. Traffic signals have also been installed at the Syndicate Circle in Manipal, where only minor finishing works are pending.”
He further stated, “Balayipade and Ambagilu junctions are very important points, as vehicles enter and exit the city through national highways at these locations. Due to heavy traffic movement, several road accidents have occurred here in the past. Keeping public safety in mind, traffic signal installation work has been taken up, and nearly 60 per cent of the work has already been completed. Within the next two to three weeks, both these junctions will be fully operational with traffic signals. All these works are being carried out through the Udupi City Municipal Council.”
On CCTV surveillance across the district, SP Hariram Shankar said that “funds received from the central government, state government, Udupi Chambers of Commerce and Entrepreneurs, along with municipal funds, are being utilised. We are identifying key locations and will be installing around 250 to 300 CCTV cameras covering important junctions, crowded areas, and tourist places. Tenders have already been called, and as per the given timeline, Udupi district will be fully covered under CCTV surveillance within the next three to four months.”
He added, “The live camera visuals will be displayed directly at the Superintendent of Police office. Old traffic signal poles will be reused for installing cameras to avoid wastage. As per tender conditions, the cameras are expected to function for four to five years, with annual maintenance, and immediate repair work will be carried out in case of any technical issues.”