UDUPI: The district administration has announced traffic diversions and restrictions on heavy vehicles along National Highway 66 and connecting roads on October 21 in view of the grand procession marking the conclusion of the Udupi-Uchila Dasara celebrations.
The restrictions have been introduced to manage the expected movement of devotees and vehicles around the Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila. The festivities, which began on October 11, will conclude on October 21, with a large turnout expected for the procession and religious programmes.
According to the traffic arrangements, heavy vehicles travelling between Udupi and Mangaluru will be diverted during specified hours to reduce congestion and facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.
Heavy vehicles to use alternative routes
Heavy vehicles travelling from Udupi towards Mangaluru will be diverted via Katapady–Shirva–Belman–Padubidri between 3 pm and 11 pm on October 21.
Vehicles travelling from Udupi towards Mangaluru International Airport at Bajpe will have to use the Katapady–Shirva–Belman–Mundkur route.
Heavy vehicle movement along the affected Mangaluru–Udupi stretch of NH 66 will be restricted during the notified period. Truck, lorry and tanker operators have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow the prescribed diversions.
Trucks and tankers advised to wait
Trucks, tankers and other heavy vehicles travelling through the Kundapur and Udupi areas have been advised to remain parked in designated truck bays until 9 pm before resuming their journeys.
The measure is intended to limit the number of heavy vehicles on the highway during the busiest hours of the procession and reduce the risk of traffic congestion.
Night buses to Bengaluru after 9 pm
Night-service buses travelling from Udupi towards Bengaluru have been advised to begin their journeys after 9 pm to avoid delays caused by the procession and associated traffic restrictions.
Passengers travelling by bus are advised to check departure timings with their operators. Motorists travelling between Udupi, Mangaluru and Bajpe should allow additional time for their journeys and follow instructions issued by traffic police.
Police to regulate traffic
Police personnel and concerned departments will oversee traffic management and enforce the diversions around the procession route. Commuters have been urged to cooperate with the authorities and use alternative routes wherever directed.
The temporary arrangements are aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the Udupi-Uchila Dasara procession while minimising inconvenience to devotees, residents and other road users.