Udupi: The lack of adequate parking facilities continues to cause inconvenience to residents and motorists in Udupi, with vehicles being parked along both sides of major roads and near important junctions, affecting traffic movement and raising safety concerns.
Residents say the issue has persisted for years despite repeated demands for dedicated parking facilities. They also point out that vehicles continue to occupy road space even after roads are widened, reducing the benefit of road expansion.
Newly widened road also affected
The road from the Coastal Bypass towards Adi Udupi was widened a few months ago. However, motorists say vehicles are now being parked along both sides of the newly widened stretch, resulting in traffic congestion.
Cars and tempos are also reportedly being parked near points where vehicles turn from service roads onto main roads. Such parking makes it difficult for motorists to negotiate turns and can increase the risk of accidents.
At the Ambalpady Bypass, vehicles are reportedly being parked on the road near the point where motorists turn from the service road towards Brahmagiri Road.
Residents say the situation is particularly concerning at such turning points as parked vehicles can obstruct visibility and restrict the movement of traffic.
Parking affects several city roads
Parking-related problems have been reported on several other stretches in the city.
Vehicles are reportedly being parked along the road from Kalsanka to Bannanje, including portions near the service road area. The public has also raised concerns about vehicles being parked on both sides near Chittaranjan Circle, Court Road and the road near Woodland Hotel.
Heavy vehicles, including trucks, are also reportedly being parked along service roads between Kinnimulki and the Coastal Bypass.
Residents have urged the authorities to take action against vehicles parked on roads and identify designated spaces where motorists can park without obstructing traffic.
The problem is compounded by the condition of some city roads, residents say. While motorists already face difficulties due to damaged or poorly maintained stretches, vehicles parked on the carriageway create additional congestion.
Parking facility yet to come up near old bus stand
The public has also raised questions over the proposed parking facility at the site of the Visvesvaraya Commercial Complex near the old KSRTC bus stand.
Municipal officials had earlier stated that parking facilities would be provided at the location after the commercial complex was removed. However, residents say that even a month after the demolition of the complex, the proposed parking facility has not been made available.
They have urged the authorities to expedite the process and provide parking space at the location to reduce pressure on surrounding roads.
Police to regulate parking
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said the authorities were aware of the parking issue, particularly on the Coastal Bypass–Adi Udupi road.
“Traffic signboards have not yet been installed on the road from Udupi city’s Coastal Bypass towards Adi Udupi. It has come to our notice that vehicles are being parked on both sides of the road. Steps will be taken to allow parking on only one side of the road,” he said.
He also pointed out that inadequate parking space near several locations, including the city bus stand, was forcing people to park their vehicles on roads.
“As there is no adequate space for parking vehicles in various areas, including near the city bus stand, people are parking their vehicles on the roads. Steps will be taken to ensure that this does not cause traffic congestion,” Hariram Shankar said.
Activist seeks action at junctions
Social activist Nityananda Olakadu urged the authorities to take action against vehicles parked dangerously near junctions.
“Vehicles are being parked dangerously near various junctions in the city. This is also causing accidents, and action should be taken against those who park vehicles there,” he said.
He also highlighted the impact of roadside parking on emergency services.
“Parking vehicles on both sides of some roads in the city, including Woodland Hotel Road, is also obstructing the movement of ambulances during emergencies. The authorities concerned should take action in this regard,” he added.
Municipal body identifies parking zones
Udupi City Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi said a preliminary joint survey had been conducted by traffic police and municipal engineers to identify locations where parking could be permitted and areas where it should be prohibited.
“Traffic police and municipal engineers have conducted a preliminary joint survey and identified various locations in Udupi city where parking should be permitted and where it should be prohibited. Based on this, steps will be taken to provide parking facilities,” he said.
He added that a separate survey had also been conducted to address problems concerning footpaths in the city.
“A survey has been conducted to address the problems concerning footpaths in the city. The footpath-related issues will also be resolved shortly,” Hangaragi said.
Free-left lane at Kalsanka faces obstruction
Another concern has been raised at the free-left lane at the Kalsanka traffic signal, where vehicles are reportedly being parked close to the designated turning area.
People visiting commercial establishments in the vicinity allegedly park their vehicles on the road, obstructing motorists using the free-left lane.
Residents have called for stricter enforcement at such locations and better regulation of roadside parking to ensure that junctions, turning points and emergency routes remain clear.
With Udupi continuing to develop and traffic volumes increasing, residents say the city needs a coordinated parking and traffic management plan. Dedicated parking facilities, clearly marked parking and no-parking zones, enforcement against violations and better use of available public spaces could help address the recurring problem.