Mangaluru: Traffic congestion at major junctions in Mangaluru has once again drawn public attention, with commuters blaming the absence of proper bus bays and the practice of buses stopping on roads to pick up passengers. The situation has become particularly severe at Mahaveer Circle near Pumpwell, where motorists travelling towards Bengaluru and Talapady face long traffic snarls during weekends and special occasions.
According to regular commuters, vehicles moving towards Bengaluru are frequently caught in traffic jams between 9 pm and 11 pm. The congestion intensifies as long-distance private buses halt directly on the carriageway to board passengers, leaving little room for smooth vehicular movement.
A few months ago, after repeated complaints from the public, police personnel were deployed at Mahaveer Circle to regulate traffic and ensure uninterrupted flow of vehicles. Though the arrangement initially improved conditions considerably, residents say buses have gradually resumed stopping on the road despite the continued presence of traffic staff.
Citizens point out that the issue is not confined to Pumpwell alone. Similar scenes can be witnessed at several parts of the city during both daytime and nighttime, causing inconvenience to motorists as well as passengers.
Lack of bus bays blamed for worsening congestion
Residents and traffic experts believe the core problem lies in the lack of systematically designed bus bays across Mangaluru. Though the city witnessed rapid infrastructure development after receiving Smart City status, several basic traffic management concerns remain unresolved.
Concrete roads, modern bus shelters, swimming pools, stadiums and recreational facilities have transformed many parts of Mangaluru in recent years. However, commuters argue that inadequate planning for public transport infrastructure has undermined these developments.
Existing bus bays in places such as Lalbagh are either poorly designed or not properly utilised. As a result, buses frequently stop on the main road instead of entering designated bays, obstructing traffic movement.
At Lalbagh, buses heading towards Udupi, along with some city buses, often halt directly on the road to pick up passengers. This forces passengers to rush towards moving or improperly parked buses while vehicles behind continue honking. Commuters say such situations not only create confusion but also pose serious safety risks, especially for elderly passengers and schoolchildren.
Motorists travelling behind buses complain that sudden stops create bottlenecks and lead to long queues during peak hours. They argue that disciplined use of bus bays could significantly reduce congestion in busy commercial corridors.
Promises remained largely on paper
The demand for bus bays in Mangaluru is not new. Private bus owners’ associations and commuters have repeatedly urged authorities to construct dedicated bus bays at major traffic junctions.
During his tenure as mayor, former mayor Sudhir Shetty Kannur had announced plans to build bus bays at eight locations across the city. Proposed locations included areas near the KSRTC bus stand, Lady Hill, Kankanady Junction and Bunts Hostel.
The announcement had raised hopes among residents and transport operators, who expected long-pending traffic issues to be addressed through planned infrastructure upgrades.
However, among the proposed projects, only one bus bay — constructed in front of Govindadas College at Suratkal — was eventually completed.
Speaking on the issue, Sudhir Shetty said all eight projects had received approval during his tenure, but most of the files were allegedly stalled after his term ended. He claimed that political interference prevented the timely execution of the remaining projects.
According to him, Mangaluru could have seen several additional bus bays and hi-tech bus shelters had the projects been allowed to progress without delays.
Traffic police seek urgent action
Traffic police officials have also acknowledged that the absence of bus bays contributes significantly to congestion across the city. Officers say buses stopping directly on roads remain one of the primary causes of traffic jams in commercial and residential areas alike.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K Ravishankar stated that the police department has repeatedly requested the construction of bus bays and flyovers to ease traffic movement in Mangaluru.
He revealed that proposals for bus bays at 53 locations had already been submitted to the Mangaluru City Corporation. The police department has urged civic authorities to treat the matter seriously and prioritise implementation.
According to officials, properly designed bus bays would not only reduce traffic congestion but also improve passenger safety and streamline public transport operations.
Citizens demand long-term traffic solutions
With vehicle numbers increasing rapidly in Mangaluru, residents believe temporary traffic regulation measures alone will not solve the city’s mobility challenges. Citizens are now demanding long-term infrastructure solutions including dedicated bus bays, stricter enforcement against roadside halts and improved urban transport planning.
Many commuters feel that unless authorities act quickly, traffic congestion at junctions such as Pumpwell, Lalbagh and Kankanady could worsen further in the coming years.
Urban planners and transport experts say the construction of bus bays at strategic locations could considerably improve traffic flow without requiring major road expansion. They argue that coordinated efforts between the police department, transport authorities and the city corporation are essential to address the issue effectively.
As congestion continues to frustrate daily commuters, residents hope the long-pending bus bay proposals will finally move beyond paperwork and become a reality.