Mangaluru: Motorists in Mangaluru should prepare for traffic congestion and diversions on key roads on October 15, as Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is scheduled to visit Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple in Kudroli for the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations.

The Mangaluru City Police have announced traffic management measures to facilitate the chief minister’s visit and ensure public safety during the festival. The restrictions are expected to affect several important road stretches from 4 pm, with specific curbs on vehicle movement and parking around the temple and the VIP route.

City Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy has appealed to motorists and members of the public to follow police instructions, use alternative routes wherever possible and cooperate with the arrangements.

Key roads likely to witness congestion

Traffic congestion is expected on several roads connecting the city’s major junctions to Kudroli Temple. Motorists travelling along these stretches have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional time for travel.

The following routes are likely to experience increased traffic:

  • KPT Circle via KSRTC and Lalbagh to Narayana Guru Circle.
  • Narayana Guru Circle via Mannagudda, Durga Mahal Junction, Kudroli Temple and Alake Bridge towards New Chitra Junction.

These stretches are expected to experience increased movement due to security arrangements and the arrival of devotees for the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations.

Motorists who do not need to travel along these roads have been advised to choose alternative routes to minimise delays. Police personnel may regulate traffic at key junctions depending on the movement of the chief minister’s convoy and prevailing road conditions.

New Chitra–Durga Mahal road restricted from 4 pm

A specific traffic restriction will be in force between New Chitra Junction and Durga Mahal Junction on October 15.

From 4 pm to 8 pm, motorists have been instructed not to use this stretch in either direction. Commuters travelling towards the affected area or passing through it will need to take alternative routes during the restricted period.

The restriction is intended to facilitate security arrangements and manage vehicle movement around the temple and the chief minister’s route.

According to the advisory issued by the city police commissioner, vehicle movement and parking will not be permitted on the main road leading to Kudroli Temple during the specified hours.

Emergency vehicles will be exempt from the restrictions.

Parking restrictions along VIP route

The police have also announced parking restrictions along the VIP route as part of the security and traffic management arrangements.

Parking will not be permitted on either side of the roads along the designated route. Motorists have been instructed to avoid leaving their vehicles on these stretches, as parked vehicles could obstruct traffic and interfere with security arrangements.

Temporary traffic restrictions and diversions may be introduced depending on the requirements of the chief minister’s visit. Commuters are expected to follow instructions issued by police personnel at junctions and along affected roads.

The police have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel through the restricted areas during the designated hours. Those with essential journeys have been advised to plan ahead and account for possible delays.

Parking arrangements for Kudroli temple devotees

Devotees visiting Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple for the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations have been advised to park their vehicles on the cross roads in the Mannagudda–Gandhinagar area.

Visitors have been asked to avoid bringing vehicles onto the main road leading to the temple during the restricted period, as vehicle movement and parking will not be permitted there.

The advisory is intended to help devotees reach the temple while preventing congestion on the approach roads. Those attending the celebrations should follow the directions of police personnel and use the designated parking areas.

With Mangaluru Dasara attracting devotees and visitors to Kudroli, cooperation from motorists and the public will be important in managing traffic around the temple and neighbouring localities.

Police appeal for public cooperation

The Mangaluru City Police have urged motorists, devotees and residents to cooperate with the traffic arrangements to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and the orderly conduct of the festivities.

Commuters travelling through KPT Circle, Lalbagh, Narayana Guru Circle, Mannagudda, Durga Mahal Junction and New Chitra Junction should remain alert to diversions and follow instructions issued on the ground.

Motorists are advised to avoid parking along the VIP route, use alternative roads where possible and schedule non-essential journeys outside the restricted hours.

The traffic measures will be in effect on October 15 in connection with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s scheduled visit to Kudroli Temple. Public cooperation is expected to help minimise disruption, maintain security and ensure that the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations proceed smoothly.