Mangaluru: Traffic movement across several parts of the city is expected to be affected on September 5 as Mosaru Kudike programmes and processions are being organised at multiple locations as part of Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.
With devotees expected to participate in the celebrations and processions, several major roads are likely to witness increased vehicle movement and temporary congestion. The Mangaluru City Police Commissioner has advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes wherever possible to avoid delays.
The traffic arrangements have been announced for four major Mosaru Kudike venues — Thokkottu Innerpet, Kadri Kambla, Attavar and Kottara. Motorists travelling through these areas have been advised to follow the suggested diversion routes and cooperate with traffic police personnel deployed along the affected stretches.
Thokkottu Innerpet traffic arrangements
Traffic congestion is expected on National Highway 66 between Thokkottu Junction and Kolya Junction, as well as on roads leading towards Ullal Abbakka Circle and Thokkottu Innerpet.
Vehicles travelling towards Thalapady from Thokkottu Junction have been advised to avoid the congested stretch and use the service road at Thokkottu Junction. From there, motorists can turn right at Deralakatte Junction and continue through Madyar, Madoor and Beerikotekar Junction before proceeding towards their destination.
Motorists travelling from Thokkottu Junction towards Ullal Abbakka Circle and Thokkottu Innerpet can instead take the Beerikotekar–Someshwara route.
The diversions are intended to distribute traffic across adjoining roads and reduce pressure on the main roads where the procession and celebrations are expected to take place.
Kadri Kambla procession route
Traffic movement is also expected to be affected near Kadri Kambla, particularly on the stretch from Battagudda Junction towards Kadri Kambla and up to Bharat Beedi.
Vehicles travelling from Battagudda towards Kadri Kambla have been advised to take the Bijai Junction–Pinto Bakery–Karangalpady route. This alternative is expected to help motorists avoid the stretch where traffic may slow down because of the celebrations and movement of participants.
For vehicles travelling from Bharat Beedi towards Battagudda, the police have suggested the Mallikatta–Nanthoor route.
Motorists using these roads have been asked to remain alert for traffic personnel and temporary restrictions that may be introduced depending on the movement of the procession.
Attavar area likely to witness congestion
The Mosaru Kudike programme at Sri Arasu Mundattaya Maidan in Attavar is expected to affect traffic from Koti Chennaya Circle through Babugudda and Attavar KMC Road up to Anand Shetty Circle.
Vehicles travelling from Koti Chennaya Circle towards Attavar have been advised to use the Valencia route as an alternative.
Motorists travelling from Attavar towards Koti Chennaya Circle can turn left at Attavar Anand Shetty Circle and proceed via S L Mathias Road and Highland Junction.
The police have advised motorists to consider these routes, particularly during periods when the procession is passing through the affected roads.
Kottara traffic diversions
Traffic congestion is also expected between Kottara Chowki and Urwa Store Junction due to the Mosaru Kudike programme organised by Sri Krishna Jnanodaya Bhajana Mandir in Kottara.
Vehicles travelling from Lalbagh and Narayanaguru Circle towards Kottara Chowki can use the KSRTC–Kuntikana route.
Light motor vehicles travelling from Kottara Chowki towards Lalbagh have been advised to use the Kuntikana–Bijai–KSRTC route.
Separate arrangements have been suggested for heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicles travelling from Kottara Chowki towards Lalbagh can take the Kuntikana–KPT Circle route.
The distinction between light and heavy vehicles is aimed at ensuring smoother traffic movement and reducing congestion on roads that may experience heavy pedestrian and procession activity.
Police urge motorists to cooperate
The Mosaru Kudike celebrations are expected to attract large numbers of devotees, participants and spectators, making temporary traffic regulation necessary in several parts of the city.
The police have appealed to motorists to use alternative routes wherever possible and avoid unnecessary travel through the identified congestion-prone stretches during the programmes.
Motorists have also been advised not to park vehicles at programme venues or along procession routes. Vehicles parked on roads affected by the processions could obstruct traffic movement and create difficulties for both motorists and emergency services.
Traffic restrictions and diversions may be implemented according to the movement of the processions and the situation on the ground. Therefore, commuters are advised to follow instructions issued by traffic police personnel and exercise caution while passing through the affected areas.
Plan journeys in advance
As Janmashtami celebrations continue across the city, commuters travelling through Thokkottu, Kadri, Attavar and Kottara are advised to allow additional time for their journeys on September 5.
Using the designated alternative routes can help motorists avoid unnecessary delays and also assist the police in maintaining orderly traffic movement. Public cooperation will be particularly important as processions move through different roads and temporary restrictions are put in place.
The traffic arrangements are part of the city’s preparations to facilitate the smooth conduct of Mosaru Kudike celebrations while minimising inconvenience to the general public.