Udupi: Following the successful rollout of traffic signal systems at Kalsanka and Manipal Syndicate Circle, the Udupi police department has decided to expand the traffic management project to more junctions across Udupi city and other parts of the district. Work is set to begin shortly at Balayipade and Ambagilu junctions, with additional locations planned in the next phase.

Police said that earlier proposals to introduce signals at multiple points were scaled down due to road width constraints and congestion concerns, but improved traffic discipline and smoother flow at existing signalised junctions have encouraged a broader implementation.

Earlier plan limited due to narrow roads

Officials said that during 2020–21, there was a proposal to install traffic signals at 12 locations within Udupi city limits. However, considering the city’s narrow road stretches and fears that signals could worsen bottlenecks, the plan was initially restricted to just two junctions.

Traffic signals were subsequently installed at Kalsanka and Manipal Syndicate Circle on a pilot basis. With these systems showing positive results in regulating vehicle movement and reducing conflict points, the department has now decided to move ahead with wider coverage.

Work underway at Balayipade and Ambagilu

As part of the current phase, signal installation work has already commenced at Balayipade and Ambagilu junctions. While most of the infrastructure has been put in place, installation of a few remaining poles is still pending.

At Balayipade junction, the police department has directed the Highways Department to complete road crossing line markings and related lane guidance works to ensure that signal operations are effective and traffic movement remains orderly.

Police have also written to the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) requesting the removal of old, oversized traffic signal poles installed earlier, so that upgraded and better-positioned systems can be put in place.

Six major junctions identified

Under the expanded plan, traffic signals will be installed at six major junctions across the district. These include:

  • Balayipade Junction
  • Ambagilu Junction
  • Padubidri Junction
  • Brahmavar Akashavani Junction
  • Kota Murkai Junction
  • Sangam Junction in Kundapura

Officials said these locations were selected based on traffic volume, accident history and their importance as entry and exit points connecting highways and town roads.

SP says 60 per cent work completed at key points

Speaking about the project, Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said that the Kalsanka signal system along with a free-left arrangement has already been completed and inaugurated, while the Manipal Syndicate Circle installation is largely finished with only minor works pending.

He noted that Balayipade and Ambagilu are critical junctions where vehicles enter and exit the city via national highways, leading to heavy and complex traffic movement.

“Several road accidents have occurred at these locations in the past. Keeping public safety in mind, traffic signal installation has been taken up, and nearly 60 per cent of the work is already completed. Within the next two to three weeks, both junctions are expected to become fully operational with traffic signals,” he said.

All the works are being carried out through the Udupi City Municipal Council in coordination with the police and highways authorities.

District-wide CCTV coverage also planned

Alongside traffic signal expansion, the district police are also moving ahead with a large-scale CCTV surveillance project across Udupi district.

SP Hariram Shankar said funds received from the central government, state government, Udupi Chambers of Commerce and Entrepreneurs, and municipal bodies are being pooled for the project.

Around 250 to 300 CCTV cameras will be installed at key junctions, crowded public areas and tourist locations. Tenders have already been floated, and installation will proceed as per schedule.

Live feed to SP office, old poles to be reused

Police said live camera feeds will be directly monitored at the Superintendent of Police’s office, enabling quicker response to traffic violations and law-and-order situations.

To reduce waste and cost, old traffic signal poles will be reused for mounting CCTV cameras wherever feasible. As per tender conditions, the cameras are expected to function for four to five years, with annual maintenance contracts in place. Immediate repair provisions are included in case of technical faults.

Conclusion

With additional signals and expanded CCTV coverage, Udupi police aim to create a more regulated and safer urban traffic environment. Authorities expect the combined measures to reduce accidents, improve compliance and strengthen real-time monitoring across the district.