Udupi: Residents living along the Brahmagiri–Kinnimulki road stretch near the fire station have raised concern over increasing traffic movement, reckless driving and frequent accidents in the area. Locals have alleged that the road has gradually become an accident-prone zone, creating risks for pedestrians and residents, especially schoolchildren and senior citizens.
The concerns come amid a significant increase in traffic movement due to ongoing construction work at Ambalpady. Residents said many motorists travelling towards Mangaluru are now using the Brahmagiri–Kinnimulki road as an alternative route, resulting in a rise in vehicle flow through the residential area.
People residing in the locality have urged authorities to intervene immediately and implement measures to improve safety before any major incident occurs.
Increased traffic due to diversion route
According to residents, the volume of vehicles using the road has increased considerably over recent months.
They alleged that heavy vehicles, including goods carriers and buses, have increasingly begun using the stretch after the development of the Nairkere road and due to ongoing works in surrounding areas.
Residents stated that several drivers travel at high speed through the area despite the presence of houses, educational institutions and pedestrian movement.
They expressed concern that the route, originally used by local residents, has now become a major traffic corridor, increasing the possibility of accidents.
Pedestrian safety concerns raised
Locals said school-going children, school vans, senior citizens and residents who regularly walk through the area are facing difficulties and safety risks on a daily basis.
According to residents, the high speed of vehicles moving through the residential stretch has made crossing the road increasingly difficult.
People living nearby stated that the area witnesses constant movement of students and families due to the presence of educational institutions and residential communities.
They stressed that preventive measures should be introduced before accidents become more frequent.
Residents demand immediate intervention
Residents have urged authorities to install speed breakers, impose speed restrictions and conduct regular monitoring of traffic movement on the road.
A local resident, Ivan D’Souza, said heavy vehicle movement on the stretch had increased following development of the Nairkere road.
He stated that residents had approached municipal authorities through their councillor in 2024 seeking installation of speed breakers after a pedestrian reportedly lost his life in an accident caused by a speeding vehicle.
According to him, only temporary barricades had been placed and no permanent safety measures had been implemented.
He also noted that four roads connect to the stretch and that the nearby fire station faces challenges during emergency situations due to traffic movement.
Residents demanded restrictions on heavy vehicle traffic and immediate installation of speed-control measures.
Calls for monitoring and surveillance
Another resident stated that because the road is wide and in good condition, motorists frequently drive at high speed, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
People in the locality urged authorities to install surveillance cameras, conduct regular monitoring and impose penalties on those violating traffic rules.
Basheer Ahemmad Manna said heavy vehicles began frequently using the stretch after development work undertaken two years ago.
He claimed several accidents, including fatal incidents, had occurred in the area in recent times. He also noted that the road connects government schools, colleges, residential areas and public offices, making safety measures essential.
Another local resident, Sameer, said speeding vehicles continue to pose danger to students and senior citizens using the road.
He added that a recent accident had caused losses of nearly Rs 2 lakh to his shop and urged authorities to act immediately.
Residents said immediate preventive measures are necessary to ensure safer movement of pedestrians and motorists and to prevent further accidents on the road stretch.