Kaup: Traffic congestion and parking woes persist

Team Udayavani, Dec 20, 2024, 6:02 PM IST

Kaup: As Kaup progresses into a municipal town and taluk headquarters, its rapid urbanization is accompanied by growing traffic congestion and parking issues in the bustling market area. Despite years of attempts, a lasting solution remains elusive.

Kaup serves as the central hub for surrounding villages, including Padukaup, Mallaru, Uliyaragoli, Majooru, Mooluru, Uchila, Belapu, Innanje, and Pangala. Thousands of people visit the Kaup market daily, with vehicles from National Highway 66 and internal town roads converging here. The resulting vehicle density frequently leads to traffic jams, causing significant inconvenience.

The old MBC Road passing through the Kaup market is lined with key establishments, including the Kaup police station, service bus stand, Veerabhadra Temple, various hotels, bars, restaurants, auto and tempo stands, hundreds of shops, and multiple banks. Additionally, the market houses commercial complexes, the Billava Sangha building, and other important structures.

Multiple Causes of Congestion

The market area spans just 750-800 meters but accommodates hundreds of shops, textile outlets, and eateries. Visitors arriving by auto-rickshaws, cars, and tempos add to the congestion. Moreover, improper parking by customers and commuters—often in random spots—further aggravates the problem.

Certain shop owners place ‘No Parking’ signs in front of their establishments, forcing vehicles onto the main roads. This lack of designated parking spaces worsens the situation, creating bottlenecks during peak hours.

Efforts to Resolve Issues

Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to address traffic and parking issues in Kaup. Former ASP K. Annamalai proposed solutions such as one-way traffic systems, rotational parking zones along the roadside, and separate entry and exit routes for the market. However, these measures were discontinued after his tenure.

Subsequent station officers at the Kaup police station also attempted to resolve the issue, but insufficient support hindered progress. The Kaup Development Committee (KDC) even prepared a blueprint for parking arrangements, submitting it to the municipality, police department, RTO, and other authorities. However, due to unexplained delays, these plans were never implemented.

Blueprint Revived with New Hope

The Kaup Development Committee has revisited the issue by involving engineer Trivikram Bhat to create a fresh blueprint for traffic and parking management. The new proposal has received verbal approval from the police department, the municipality, and public works officials, with local representatives also extending their support.

The committee is now fully prepared to implement these arrangements, aiming to alleviate the long-standing parking woes.

Challenges in Access and Parking

Kaup market is accessible through five major routes from NH-66: the K1 Hotel Junction, Janardhana Temple Gate near Kaup Basadi, Marigudi Road, Mayur Hotel Road, and Polipu Mosque Junction. However, these roads are often clogged with vehicles parked by shop owners and customers, leaving little room for smooth entry or exit.

Collaborative Efforts Needed

The Kaup Development Committee’s survey report has been shared with the municipal, police, and public works departments. It emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to ensure road traffic is unhindered, parking spaces are created, and public utilities like water pipelines, electric lines, and drainage systems remain unaffected.

“A coordinated effort among all stakeholders is essential to resolve these issues effectively,” said Deviprasad Shetty, President of the Kaup Development Committee.

A Call for Public Support

“With the renovation of the Marigudi Temple and preparations for the Brahmakalashotsava underway, resolving traffic and parking issues has become urgent. Efforts by the Kaup Municipality and Police Department require cooperation from local citizens, traders, and visitors to the market,” emphasized Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA.