Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Rahul Rathnam Pandey inspected infrastructure and development-related issues at several locations in the city on Friday, accompanied by office-bearers and members of CREDAI and the secretary of ACCE.
The inspection covered multiple areas where issues related to roads, underground drainage, stormwater management, footpaths and traffic movement have been raised.
The team visited Sanghanikethan in Mannagudda, Urwa-Chilimbi, Kottara Chowki, KPT-Yeyyadi Road, Shaktinagar, Hampankatta, Pumpwell Highway and Kuntikana Highway.
The inspection was aimed at assessing existing infrastructure, reviewing ongoing works and identifying areas requiring attention from the civic administration.
CREDAI highlights civic infrastructure concerns
During the inspection, CREDAI representatives apprised the MCC Commissioner of various infrastructure-related issues affecting different parts of the city.
The concerns included the condition and maintenance of underground drainage (UGD) systems, stormwater drains, roads and footpaths.
Members also discussed ongoing development works and projects that are yet to be taken up by the civic administration.
The interaction provided an opportunity for representatives from the construction and development sector to directly bring infrastructure concerns to the attention of the civic authorities.
Officials accompanying the commissioner also briefed the team about projects currently under implementation and works proposed for the future.
Traffic signal proposed at Yeyyadi Junction
One of the key issues discussed during the inspection was traffic management at Yeyyadi Junction.
Following discussions on road and infrastructure development, Pandey directed officials to examine the feasibility of installing a traffic signal at Yeyyadi Junction.
The proposed signal is aimed at improving traffic movement and managing congestion at the busy junction.
The commissioner also suggested establishing a suitable bus stop in the area along with dedicated bus bays.
Dedicated bus bays could help buses stop without significantly obstructing the main carriageway, potentially improving traffic flow and reducing congestion during peak hours.
Officials have been directed to examine the requirements and feasibility of these measures.
Focus on footpaths and pedestrian safety
The commissioner also stressed the importance of maintaining proper pedestrian infrastructure along city roads.
Pandey directed officials to ensure proper interlocking pavement on both sides of roads wherever required.
He also instructed officials to maintain footpaths adequately so that pedestrians can use them safely and conveniently.
Well-maintained footpaths and properly laid interlocking pavement can help improve pedestrian movement while reducing the need for people to walk along busy carriageways.
The direction comes amid broader discussions on improving road infrastructure and making city streets more accessible and safer for pedestrians.
Stormwater drains and UGD reviewed
The condition and maintenance of underground drainage systems and stormwater drains were also discussed during the inspection.
Stormwater drains play an important role in preventing waterlogging during heavy rainfall, while proper maintenance of underground drainage infrastructure is essential for sanitation and public health.
CREDAI representatives brought several related issues to the attention of the commissioner during the visit.
The civic administration is expected to assess the issues raised and determine the action required at different locations.
The inspection also provided an opportunity to review infrastructure works already underway and identify projects that need to be taken up.
Multiple areas covered during inspection
The inspection team covered a wide range of locations across Mangaluru, including residential, commercial and major traffic corridors.
The areas visited included Sanghanikethan in Mannagudda, Urwa-Chilimbi, Kottara Chowki, KPT-Yeyyadi Road, Shaktinagar, Hampankatta, Pumpwell Highway and Kuntikana Highway.
The locations represent different infrastructure requirements, ranging from drainage and footpath maintenance to road development and traffic management.
The visit is part of efforts to assess infrastructure requirements on the ground and coordinate between civic officials and stakeholders.
Town Planning and Engineering officials present
Officials from the Town Planning and Engineering departments of MCC were present during the inspection.
Their involvement is significant as several of the issues discussed require technical assessment, planning approvals and coordination between different civic departments.
The feasibility of the proposed traffic signal, bus stop and dedicated bus bays at Yeyyadi will require further examination by the concerned officials.
Similarly, issues relating to roads, footpaths, drainage and ongoing development works will need to be assessed based on site conditions and available civic infrastructure plans.
Focus on coordinated urban development
The inspection highlighted the need for coordinated planning as Mangaluru continues to experience growth in residential, commercial and transportation activity.
Road infrastructure, pedestrian facilities, drainage systems and public transport facilities need to develop alongside the city’s expansion.
Engagement between the civic administration and organisations such as CREDAI can help identify infrastructure concerns and provide inputs on projects affecting different parts of the city.
The directions issued during the inspection indicate a focus on improving traffic management, pedestrian safety and basic civic infrastructure.
Further action will depend on technical assessments and the implementation of the proposed works by the concerned MCC departments.