MANGALURU: Mangaluru City Police have announced traffic diversions and designated parking facilities for the grand Dasara procession organised by Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple on October 21. The restrictions will remain in force from 4 pm on October 21 until 6 am on October 22, with congestion expected on major roads from 2 pm onwards.

The procession, featuring deities and colourful tableaux, will begin at the Kudroli temple entrance and pass through several prominent parts of the city before returning to the temple. Police have advised motorists to avoid the procession route, use alternative roads and refrain from parking along the affected stretches.

Procession route and traffic restrictions

The procession will pass through Mannagudda Junction, Narayana Guru Circle (Ladyhill), Lalbagh, Ballalbagh, PVS Junction, Navabharath Circle, City Centre, Hampankatta, KB Katte, Car Street and New Chitra Junction before returning to Kudroli.

The following diversions have been announced:

  • Kottara Chowki to the city via Ladyhill: Vehicles must use the Kuntikan–KPT–Nanthoor route.
  • Bunts Hostel towards MG Road via PVS: Motorists should take the Bunts Hostel–Bharat Beedi–Battagudda–KPT route or the Bunts Hostel–Bharat Beedi–Mallikatta route.
  • KSRTC Junction towards Lalbagh: Vehicles should travel via Kapikad–Kuntikan or Bejai Battagudda.
  • KSRTC buses: Buses must use the KSRTC Junction–Kapikad–Kuntikan route or the Bejai Battagudda route.
  • Hampankatta towards PVS Junction: Vehicles travelling via KS Rao Road and Navabharath Circle must take the Hampankatta–LHH–Ambedkar Junction route.

Vehicles approaching Navabharath Circle from New Chitra Junction, as well as those travelling from Ladyhill towards Mannagudda Junction, Durgamahal and Kudroli Temple, have also been directed to use alternative routes.

Parking facilities for the public

Police have designated 11 locations for visitors attending the procession:

  1. Karavali Grounds
  2. Alake Market parking
  3. Urwa Market grounds
  4. Urwa Canara School parking
  5. Canara High School, Dongerkery
  6. Pompeii Church parking
  7. Durgamahal Hotel parking
  8. Narayana Guru College, Kudroli
  9. BEM School parking
  10. Government Girls High School, Car Street
  11. Hotel Vimalesh parking

Visitors are advised to use these designated facilities and avoid leaving vehicles along the procession route, where parking could obstruct traffic and emergency movement.

Commuters advised to plan journeys

With traffic congestion expected from 2 pm on October 21, commuters travelling through central Mangaluru should plan their journeys in advance. Those heading to workplaces, bus stands, hospitals or other important destinations should allow additional travel time.

Police have urged the public to follow traffic signs and instructions from officers deployed along the route. Cooperation from motorists and visitors will be important to ensure the procession proceeds safely and with minimal disruption.

The traffic arrangements are intended to facilitate the smooth movement of the Dasara procession while maintaining public safety throughout the celebrations.