Udupi: Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK has called for scientific improvements at accident-prone black spots along national highways in the district to ensure safer and smoother traffic. Speaking at the district road safety committee meeting held at the DC’s office in Manipal on Monday, she said 18 black spots have been identified, many of which lack essential safety features such as streetlights, zebra crossings, road markings, blinkers, and warning signboards.
The DC directed that temporary safety measures be implemented until permanent works are executed. She also urged motorists to drive cautiously near ongoing road works and strictly adhere to speed limits set by the transport department.
Highlighting urban traffic concerns, Ms. Swaroopa pointed out that commercial buildings in Udupi city were misusing parking spaces, forcing customers and shopkeepers to park on public roads. This, she said, was worsening congestion. She instructed officials to issue notices to violators and initiate legal action.
The DC also ordered the removal of advertisement poles, as well as the relocation of unauthorised roadside eateries, pushcarts, and warehouses that encroach on highways. On autorickshaw drivers’ demand for designated stands, she asked the RTO, police, and Udupi CMC commissioner to work jointly on a solution.
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar emphasized that while creating median openings, care must be taken to prevent traffic bottlenecks. He also pressed for installation of safety signboards at key road points.
The meeting was attended by NHAI project director Abdulla Javed Azmi and officials from multiple departments.