Copyright newskarnataka
Increasing traffic congestion and reckless driving continue to pose major challenges for commuters in the coastal city. Official data reveals that 751 road accidents have been reported in Mangaluru up to September 30, 2025, resulting in 127 fatalities. On average, the city records around 1,000 accidents and over 150 deaths annually, with traffic chaos worsening during peak hours. Rising accident and violation numbers According to data shared by the Mangaluru City Police, there were 1,008 accidents and 166 deaths in 2023, while 1,023 accidents and 176 deaths were reported in 2024. Traffic violations have also surged in recent years. Police booked 1,36,493 Indian Motor Vehicles (IMV) cases in 2023, collecting ₹5.4 crore in fines. In 2024, the number rose to 1,44,859 cases, with fines amounting to ₹6.6 crore. This year alone, up to September 30, officials have already registered 1,76,487 IMV cases and collected ₹6.8 crore in fines, reflecting stricter enforcement and higher public non-compliance. Helmet and seat belt violations remain rampant Among the IMV cases registered in 2025, 61,552 were for riding without a helmet, followed by 13,739 for driving without a seat belt, 1,141 for using mobile phones while driving, 2,016 for triple riding, 1,287 for reckless driving, and 15,938 for carrying excess passengers. Officials said these figures indicate that while awareness campaigns are ongoing, compliance levels among motorists remain a concern. Steps taken to improve enforcement and safety City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said tenders were recently invited for the installation of new signboards to improve road safety. “A tender was also floated for the procurement of body-worn cameras for our personnel. Additionally, we are in the process of inviting tenders to install CCTV cameras at three key locations along the highway,” he added. Reddy noted that continuous surveillance and improved technology would help reduce traffic offences and enhance accountability during enforcement drives. Infrastructure and parking concerns Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) K. Ravi Shankar emphasised that the Mangaluru City Corporation and other civic agencies must step up infrastructure improvements. He said, “The city needs better road design, dedicated parking for commercial areas, and safe footpaths for pedestrians. There’s been a drastic improvement in booking cases for motor vehicle offences, but infrastructure gaps persist.” Ravi Shankar added that special drives are being planned to curb wrong parking, drunken driving, and overspeeding. “On Saturday alone, 21 cases were booked for various traffic offences. Parking remains a major challenge in many parts of the city,” he said. Stakeholder meeting held to manage parking issues To tackle parking chaos, the police recently convened a meeting at the Town Hall with representatives from major commercial establishments, malls, and hospitals. About 60 representatives attended and were instructed to appoint security personnel to ensure vehicles are parked appropriately. The city police hope these measures—combined with stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, and collaboration with civic bodies—will help reduce both road accidents and traffic congestion in the coming months.
