Udupi: A heavy vehicle that broke down on the uphill stretch near Syndicate Circle in Manipal has remained stranded for three days, causing inconvenience to motorists and raising concerns over road safety. According to a Daijiworld report, no removal process had been initiated until Thursday evening, despite the vehicle obstructing traffic movement.
The stranded vehicle is located on the road connecting Udupi and Manipal. Its position on a slope, combined with the nearby traffic signal, has made movement difficult, particularly for buses and other heavy vehicles during periods of congestion.
Stranded vehicle creates traffic obstruction
The heavy vehicle reportedly broke down while travelling from Udupi towards Manipal and has remained at the spot for three days.
The location is particularly sensitive because a traffic signal is situated a short distance ahead of the stranded vehicle. When traffic builds up around the signal, buses and other heavy vehicles face difficulty in moving past the obstruction or stopping safely.
The situation has therefore created inconvenience for motorists using the busy stretch between Udupi and Manipal.
Vehicle not clearly visible to approaching motorists
Another concern highlighted in the report is the poor visibility of the stranded vehicle for motorists approaching the spot.
According to the report, the vehicle cannot be easily seen from a distance. Motorists become aware of the obstruction only after reaching close to the location, reducing the time available for them to slow down or change their path.
This can be particularly risky on an uphill section where vehicles may already be negotiating the gradient and dealing with traffic near the signal.
The absence of adequate warning measures has consequently become a major safety concern for road users.
No warning light or barricade in place
A small bundle of leaves has reportedly been tied to the rear of the stranded vehicle, but there was no warning light or barricade placed around it to alert approaching motorists.
Warning lights, reflective markers and barricades are particularly important when a large vehicle remains stationary on a busy road for an extended period. Their absence can make it difficult for motorists to identify the obstruction, especially in low-light conditions.
The lack of such safety measures has increased the possibility of an accident, according to concerns raised by local residents.
Residents urge authorities to remove vehicle
Local residents have urged the authorities to remove the stranded vehicle at the earliest and restore unobstructed traffic movement.
The demand comes after the vehicle remained at the location for three days without a removal process being initiated until Thursday evening. Residents are particularly concerned about the possibility of an accident because of the vehicle’s position and inadequate warning arrangements.
Prompt removal of disabled heavy vehicles from busy roads is important not only to prevent traffic disruption but also to reduce risks to other road users.
Safety concerns grow on busy Udupi-Manipal route
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of ensuring that broken-down vehicles on busy roads are properly secured and clearly marked until they can be removed.
A stranded heavy vehicle can become a significant obstruction when positioned near a traffic signal or on a slope. Without warning lights or barricades, approaching motorists may have little time to react.
For commuters travelling between Udupi and Manipal, the issue is therefore not limited to inconvenience. The presence of an unattended heavy vehicle at the location also presents a potential road safety hazard.
Authorities are expected to take steps to remove the vehicle and ensure that appropriate warning arrangements are put in place until the obstruction is cleared.