Traffic congestion caused by the unabated movement of heavy vehicles such as lorries and trucks on R G Road, I G Road, K M Road and other busy roads in Chikkamagaluru town has turned into a nightmare for the people. 

Vehicles transporting sand, gravel stones and timber have been dominating the roads. The congestion caused by these vehicles has been affecting the smooth movement of KSRTC buses, school and college vehicles and even autorickshaws.

Traffic management during peak hours - 8 am to 10.30 am and 3.45 pm to 6 pm has become a headache for the traffic police.

Also, the heavy vehicles have been posing a danger to the people moving on these roads.

Recently, a woman was killed in a road accident at Sringar Circle on Rathnagiri Road, after a truck rammed a scooter. In another accident, a bike rider broke his leg after a lorry hit him near AIT Circle.

Innerwheel president Dr Geetha Venkatesh said that the drivers of most of the transport vehicles are within 20 years of age and do not have driving licenses. The movement of heavy vehicles should be banned on busy roads, she said.

Geetha also urged the Police Department and the transport authority to initiate stern action against reckless driving.

“Traffic police do not bother about the drivers of heavy vehicles. Their work is confined to imposing fines on the riders of two wheelers and four wheelers for not wearing helmets and seat belts,” she alleged. 

Vehicular traffic is dense during the weekends and there is no parking space left, which creates a chaotic situation. There are no zebra crossings and road dividers on the main roads.

Janadani organisation convener B Amjad said there is lack of scientific planning of the city. Roads being narrow is the main hindrance for the movement of vehicles.

A time table should be drawn for the movement of heavy vehicles on the main roads of the city. It is better to ban the movement of heavy vehicles between 8 am and 6 pm, said Amjad.