Signal lights a mess in Udupi

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 28 March 2011: It is very strange here. Even the pedestrians will have to follow the signal lights to just walk (not to cross) beside the road. Thanks to lack of footpaths at the signal points. Signal lights installed a year back at Diana Circle in the city have been a nuisance and unscientific.

 

Even before signal light was functioning at the Diana Circle, for a small period a decade back. That had been scrapped as it had been causing heavy loss, in the form of electricity bills, to the exchequer. But as long as the signal lights functioned everything was well. Because, the roads were narrow, leaving enough room for the footpaths or pedestrians to walk.

 

Now that the roads have been widened to the fullest, at some stretches, forget footpaths, there is no room for the pedestrians to walk beside the road. This forces the padestrians; especially at the Diana Stores- Tyre Shop- Tender Coconut shop stretch, to halt when the vehicles moving towards PPC wait for the red light to go.

 

 

Girls, when alone, will face an embarrassing situation while trapped in the midst of the vehicles at that stretch. The hoardings too have swallowed a narrow walking path beside the cremation ground. When the signal lights were installed it was told that the roads will be widened and footpaths will be laid.

 

Even as the land acquisition process was in progress lights were installed an advertising agent showed interest in them. To safe guard his interests’ signal lights were installed, even without a formal request from the Udupi Municipality. Police department showed `extra’ interest in installing it.

 

Signal lights system is being followed in the city only during unspecified hours. Neither it is followed during peak hours, nor during some specific period. This unscheduled signal light system, like the unscheduled power cut, has become a nuisance to the drivers and riders.

- CD Network