Pics: Adithya Aithal
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 20: Even months after the installation of traffic signals at the busy Kalsanka Circle, improper use of ‘free left’ lanes continues to disrupt vehicular movement at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The traffic signals were installed by the Udupi district police on all four sides of the circle to streamline movement and reduce bottlenecks. While the initiative has brought noticeable relief compared to the earlier unregulated flow, the misuse of ‘free left’ lanes has emerged as a major concern.
Despite Udupi’s status as a highly literate district, many motorists appear to lack awareness regarding the proper use of the free left turn. During red signals, vehicles—particularly two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and private buses—are often seen blocking the designated free left lanes, defeating the purpose of easing congestion. Even with the placement of barricades, violations continue.
Free left turns are permitted on all four sides of the circle to ensure continuous movement. However, motorists waiting for the green signal frequently halt their vehicles in a manner that obstructs those attempting to turn left.
The situation worsens during peak hours as traffic builds up quickly. In addition to vehicular inconvenience, pedestrians face significant difficulty crossing the busy circle due to a lack of proper marking. With vehicles edging forward and occupying pedestrian space, safety concerns have increased. In several instances, two-wheelers have also been observed riding on footpaths.
Furthermore, traffic rule violations are frequently reported, particularly by two-wheeler riders travelling from Manipal towards Udupi. Some riders reportedly misuse the free left towards the Krishna Math parking area to avoid signal halts, taking a detour to bypass the traffic signals. This practice persists despite the presence of traffic police personnel monitoring the junction.
While the signal system has improved overall regulation at Kalsanka Circle, violations remain common, especially in the absence of enforcement personnel. Motorists often take advantage of these gaps to bypass rules, leading to confusion and irregular movement.
Strict enforcement, better public awareness regarding free left usage, and possible structural modifications are necessary to ensure smoother vehicular flow and safer pedestrian movement at Kalsanka Circle.