Mangaluru (Karnataka): To facilitate road development work from Pumpwell (Mahaveer) Circle to Kankanady Bypass, the Mangaluru City Traffic Police has issued a temporary traffic notification changing the route for seven months, until April 15, 2026.

The notification, announced by Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, aims to manage the flow of vehicles during the first and second phases of the road work. Key stretches, including Karavali Junction to Pumpwell and Pumpwell-Kankanady Old Road-Kankanady Junction, will function as one-way routes for the duration of the construction.

Traffic diversions and restrictions

The commissioner clarified that parking will be strictly prohibited on both sides of the designated one-way roads. Specific diversion routes have been outlined for commuters:

  • Vehicles from Padil and Thokkottu heading towards Pumpwell Circle and Karavali Junction must now travel via Kankanady Old Road, reach Kankanady Junction, take a right turn, and proceed to Karavali Junction.
  • Vehicles from Falnir Road and Valencia Road heading towards Pumpwell should proceed straight from Kankanady Junction to Karavali Junction, then turn right to reach Pumpwell Circle.

Motorists have been advised to follow the revised routes compulsorily for safety and smoother traffic flow.

Concerns over congestion

Residents and officials have raised concerns about potential traffic congestion, as major vehicles from Padil, Mudipu, Thokkottu, and Kerala rely on these roads. The Mahakalipadpu route, another key approach to the city, has been closed for around four years to facilitate construction of Railway Underbridges (RUBs), limiting alternative routes for commuters.

MLC Ivan D’Souza stated that he had discussions with the police and relevant officials regarding the impact of the diversions. “I have asked the officials to commence work on the Pumpwell-Kankanady stretches only after opening the road to the city via Mahakalipadpu. I have highlighted possible traffic issues, especially for emergency vehicles, if two major roads are made one-way,” he said.

Advisory for commuters

Authorities have urged residents and daily commuters to plan their journeys ahead, allow for extra travel time, and adhere strictly to traffic rules and diversion routes. Emergency services have been notified about the changes, and traffic police will be deployed at critical junctions to guide vehicles.

The seven-month traffic management plan is crucial to ensure the safety of workers and commuters while facilitating the construction and upgrading of the road infrastructure connecting Pumpwell Circle and Kankanady Bypass.