Mangalore: Geometrical Problem - 'Oval' Circle Stumps Commuters at KPT Junction
Prakash Samaga
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Dec 27: In what can be termed as the height of experts’ apathy, a circle at the center of the road meant to ease traffic movement has turned out to be an oval!
The circle located near KPT junction, literally ‘egg shaped’, not only confuses the vehicle drivers, but has also paved way for many minor accidents.
Sources said that the state government had given 3 cents land under SC/ST quota for commencing a private petrol bunk agency. However, now one can witness approximately 15 cents being encroached upon by the petrol bunk, as a result of which, the road from the Airport joining the highway has come a little way ahead. This in turn has resulted in the circle becoming an 'oval' and led to traffic congestion.
Praveenchandra Shetty, member of Road Transport and Road Safety Committee affiliated to Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry told Daijiworld that there have been repetitive accidents taking place due to unscientific circle at the KPT junction. He added that the Karnataka Polytechnic College principal too complained to the district administration regarding the problems faced by the students in the college while crossing the highway, but to no avail.
“The road work done by IRCON was a pilot project, as it is involved in projects connected to railway lines. Their experiment with road project has turned out to be futile," said a senior citizen who did not want to be named.
Police sources said that about a few months back, a pillion rider on a bike died in an accident at the ‘circle’ after a lorry ran over him. Heavy traffic congestion is a daily scene at the junction during peak hours. Minor accidents seem to be a daily occurrence at the place.
Another vehicle user commented that he has not seen an oval replacing a circle anywhere in the country. He urged the district administration to rectify the error caused and to take immediate steps.