The long-debated proposal to restore two-way traffic on the Clock Tower loop road—stretching from Clock Tower via A B Shetty Circle to State Bank—has effectively been put to rest. After months of discussions, meetings and public appeals, authorities have indicated that the current one-way system will remain unchanged due to the extensive structural work already carried out under the Smart City project.

Background to the traffic system change

The Clock Tower–A B Shetty Circle–Hamilton Circle–Rao & Rao Circle–Clock Tower stretch, popularly referred to as the loop road, allowed two-way movement until 2021. In August that year, the district administration decided to convert it into a one-way system to reduce traffic conflicts and streamline flow. The official order was issued in September 2021 by the then city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar.

To support this transition, Smart City authorities undertook major development work on the stretch, spending several crore rupees to create dedicated lanes, redesigned junctions and improved pedestrian facilities. These infrastructural changes were built specifically to accommodate the one-way circulation plan.

Why the two-way proposal resurfaced

Over the past few months, citizens and elected representatives have been urging authorities to restore the earlier two-way system. Their primary concern revolves around increased travel time and the long detours required under the current setup.

Commuters from Pandeshwar, the railway station, Mangaladevi and nearby localities heading towards Hampankatte must now pass through the congested State Bank–Rao & Rao–Lady Goschen stretch, often spending several extra minutes in traffic. The public demand for reverting the changes gained momentum as more residents voiced frustration over delays, especially during peak hours.

Several people also raised concerns about emergency movement. Fire tenders, ambulances and goods carriers—especially those travelling from the port region—face unavoidable detours that could impact response time and efficiency.

Arguments supporting two-way restoration

Those advocating for a return to two-way traffic put forth a series of strong arguments:

  • The one-way system has created unnecessary delays for those travelling towards Hampankatte and adjacent areas.
  • Emergency vehicles from Pandeshwar heading to Hampankatte are forced to make lengthy detours via State Bank.
  • The State Bank–Lady Goschen–Rao & Rao Corridor has become heavily burdened due to redirected traffic.
  • Ambulances travelling from Pandeshwar to hospitals at Wenlock and beyond must take a longer route.
  • Vehicles from Hamilton Circle heading towards the RTO are compelled to make a loop instead of a direct movement.
  • Goods carriers and fish transport vehicles from the port to Pandeshwar must navigate additional junctions, slowing time-sensitive operations.

These concerns were raised during the District Road Safety Committee meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office a few months ago, where the DC had directed Smart City and Mangaluru City Corporation officials to submit a detailed project estimate for reversing the traffic pattern.

Why the proposal has been shelved

Smart City officials have now confirmed that no proposal for reintroducing two-way traffic has been submitted. The argument gaining the strongest traction among authorities is the high cost and complexity involved in reversing the transformation completed in 2021–22.

Restoring the old system would require dismantling structures, reconfiguring lane systems, altering pedestrian zones and reinstalling traffic islands—all of which would involve spending several lakh rupees, if not more, according to officials.

Furthermore, the one-way system was implemented after detailed study by traffic consultants and urban mobility experts. Officials maintain that there has been no pressing technical reason to revoke it.

Officials confirm status quo

Deputy commissioner Darshan H V, clarifying the administration’s decision, stated:

“Discussions were held earlier about restoring two-way traffic on the Clock Tower loop road. However, significant modifications have already been made under the Smart City project to support the one-way system. Reversing the arrangement now would require additional expenditure. Therefore, the road will remain as it is.”

With this statement, the likelihood of reinstating two-way traffic appears minimal for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

The shelving of the two-way proposal highlights a familiar challenge faced by urban centres: balancing commuter convenience with the practical realities of infrastructure investment. While public grievances remain significant, the administration has indicated that the cost and complexity of reversal outweigh potential benefits at this stage. For now, Mangaluru’s Clock Tower loop road will continue operating under the one-way system introduced four years ago.