Mangaluru: A major traffic snarl unfolded near the Bikarnakatte bus stop on Thursday after a bus collided with a trailer from behind. The incident, which occurred during peak traffic hours, caused long queues of vehicles on the busy stretch. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, offering relief to commuters and authorities alike.
Collision triggers heavy traffic
The mishap took place on one of the most heavily used routes in the city, resulting in traffic coming to a near standstill for several minutes. Vehicles lined up along both sides of the road as the damaged bus and trailer remained on the carriageway, obstructing movement and forcing motorists to navigate the chaos with caution.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said that the sudden halt of the trailer is believed to have caught the bus driver off guard, leading to the rear-end collision. The impact, though not severe enough to cause casualties, was strong enough to disrupt normal traffic flow significantly.
Commuters blame poor road design and signalling
Several commuters who witnessed the incident voiced concerns over the inadequate road signalling and the unscientific entry and exit points connecting feeder roads to the main highway. Many believe these structural shortcomings increase the likelihood of such accidents, especially during peak hours when traffic density is high.
They pointed out that the lack of clear lane marking, sudden merging of vehicles, and improper signage often confuse drivers, leading to near misses and traffic congestion on a regular basis.
Authorities step in to restore order
Soon after the accident was reported, traffic police personnel arrived at the spot to manage the situation. Officers worked to clear the vehicles involved in the collision and guide traffic until normal flow was restored. Their timely intervention helped prevent further pile-ups on the already congested stretch.
Officials have assured that efforts are underway to ease the bottleneck and improve the movement of vehicles along the route. They also indicated that steps may be taken to examine the traffic pattern in the area and recommend improvements where necessary.
Road safety concerns rise again
This incident has once again highlighted the recurring concerns related to traffic management around Bikarnakatte, a locality known for heavy vehicle movement throughout the day. Commuters and residents continue to demand better infrastructure, smarter signals, and redesigned junctions to reduce traffic-related issues.
Transport experts have long emphasised the need for improved road engineering and signage, especially in areas connecting local roads to national highways. With traffic density rising year after year, such upgrades have become essential.
Conclusion
While Thursday’s collision resulted in no injuries, it has renewed calls for greater focus on road safety and infrastructure improvement in Mangaluru. With growing traffic volumes and increasing dependence on road transport, authorities may need to expedite corrective measures to ensure smoother and safer travel for thousands of daily commuters.