Mangaluru: Residents along the Kettikal–Tarigudde–Padu road stretch under Neermarga gram panchayat limits in Mangaluru taluk continue to face serious safety concerns due to the narrow and poorly maintained condition of the road, which leaves little space for pedestrians. Despite repeated representations to the authorities and directions for an inspection and possible widening, residents allege that no concrete action has been taken to address the problem.

The road, which serves as an important access route for several residential areas, witnesses considerable daily traffic, including more than 10 school buses, KSRTC buses and other private vehicles. With no designated footpath or adequate pedestrian space, schoolchildren, senior citizens and other residents are compelled to walk along the same narrow stretch used by heavy vehicles.

Residents fear that the situation could result in a serious accident if the authorities continue to delay corrective measures.

Narrow road leaves pedestrians vulnerable

The Kettikal–Tarigudde–Padu stretch presents considerable challenges for both motorists and pedestrians. The road is particularly narrow at several points, making it difficult for two vehicles approaching from opposite directions to pass safely.

The situation is further complicated by the absence of footpaths. Compound walls of residential properties line one side of the road, while overgrown bushes occupy the available space on the other. This leaves virtually no dedicated area for people walking along the stretch.

Schoolchildren travelling to and from their educational institutions are among those most exposed to the danger. With several school buses using the road every day, pedestrians often have to move close to passing vehicles, leaving little room for error.

Residents point out that even routine journeys have become stressful, particularly during peak school hours when the movement of buses and other vehicles increases.

Residents warn of possible accidents

Local resident Sujith Kumar said that students and members of the public are forced to share the narrow road with buses and other vehicles due to the lack of pedestrian infrastructure.

He expressed concern over the possibility of a major accident and stressed that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent loss of life or serious injuries.

Residents say the situation becomes especially dangerous when a bus or another large vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. Since there is hardly any space for pedestrians to move aside, those walking along the road are left in a vulnerable position.

They also point out that the problem is not limited to schoolchildren. People living in the surrounding residential areas, including elderly residents and daily commuters, face similar difficulties while using the road.

According to residents, the road’s existing condition is inadequate for the volume and nature of traffic it handles. They believe that widening the stretch and providing sufficient space for pedestrians would significantly improve safety.

Minister had directed inspection in 2023

The residents’ concerns were brought to the attention of district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao during the Janata Darshan programme in 2023.

According to the residents, the minister responded to their representation by directing the concerned officials to inspect the road and take appropriate steps towards widening it.

The Mangaluru taluk panchayat had also reportedly instructed the Neermarga gram panchayat to submit a report on the issue.

Residents had expected these directions to result in an official inspection followed by necessary technical assessments and action. However, they allege that the process has not translated into any substantial improvement on the ground.

They say the road continues to remain in the same condition, with pedestrians having to negotiate the narrow stretch alongside buses and other vehicles.

Repeated representations yield little progress

The issue has reportedly been raised with various government authorities since 2022. Residents claim to have submitted representations to the Neermarga gram panchayat, the local MLA and the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, seeking intervention and a permanent solution.

Despite these repeated appeals, they say the widening proposal has not made meaningful progress.

Residents have questioned why the matter has remained unresolved despite the directions issued during the Janata Darshan programme and subsequent instructions to the local panchayat.

They have also expressed concern over the lack of accountability, asking who would take responsibility if a serious accident occurred on the stretch.

For the residents, the concern is particularly urgent because the road is regularly used by school buses and public transport vehicles. They believe that waiting for an accident to occur before initiating corrective measures would be an irresponsible approach.

Authorities urged to expedite road-widening work

Residents have now renewed their appeal to the Public Works Department (PWD), the Neermarga gram panchayat, the district administration and other concerned authorities to take up the issue on priority.

They have called for the necessary technical inspection, preparation of reports and completion of other formalities required to facilitate road widening.

Apart from improving the carriageway, residents believe that adequate pedestrian space must be incorporated into any development plan. Merely increasing the width available for vehicular movement without addressing pedestrian safety would not fully resolve their concerns.

They have urged officials to assess the ground situation, particularly the stretches where compound walls and overgrown vegetation leave pedestrians with virtually no room to walk safely.

The Kettikal–Tarigudde–Padu road issue highlights the challenges faced by residents in developing residential areas where traffic movement has increased without corresponding improvements to basic infrastructure.

For the people living along this stretch, road widening is no longer simply a demand for better connectivity. It is a matter of everyday safety, particularly for schoolchildren who have to use the road regularly.

Residents hope that the authorities will act on their long-pending representations and the earlier directions for inspection before a preventable accident turns their concerns into a tragedy.