Trial run of traffic signals temporarily halted after backlash

Mangaluru: The trial run of introducing traffic signals at three more junctions was mt with backlash, on Monday. The Mangaluru city police, which successfully commenced the intelligent traffic management system with the help of smart cameras, introduced traffic signal light systems at additional locations in Balmatta, Ambedkar Circle, and Bunts Hostel from Sunday. However, on Monday, the situation worsened, with the city traffic in chaos at all three junctions. Later, in the afternoon, the traffic signal light systems remained switched off at Balmatta, Ambedkar Circle, and Bunts Hostel Circle.Until recently, the traffic signal system was functional at Karavali Circle, PVS Junction, Lalbagh, and Hampankatta in the city. In fact, the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) equipped all major junctions in the city with traffic signals. Similar trial runs carried out on experimental basis at other junctions in May also resulted in significant delays, causing difficulty for commuters due to reduced vehicle movement speed. The trial run at Ballalbagh and KSRTC Junction led to traffic disruptions.DK district bus owners' association former president Dilraj Alva said that the traffic police should conduct a proper study before introducing a new traffic management system. Alva said that the issue will be brought to the notice of authorities. "After 1991, no study was conducted about traffic management in the city. There is a need for a comprehensive study on the number of vehicles, existing roads, and traffic density in the city. When the signal is activated in a new junction, the traffic gets choked," said Alva.DCP (crime & traffic) K Ravi Shankar said that the signal lights were under repair and recently all equipment was repaired. Hence, a trial run was conducted to confirm whether the system is in order. It is yet to be made functional permanently. He said all shortcomings, including the timing for signals at each junction, will be set right before making the system functional permanently.