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Koteshwara: Concerns have been raised over a confusing barricade arrangement near Bijadi on the National Highway close to Koteshwara, where a dangerous road bend has become a risk zone for motorists.

The stretch witnesses heavy daily traffic, including light and heavy vehicles. Residents said high-speed movement of private buses, sand-carrying trucks, and tanker vehicles has made the route more unsafe. Several accidents have been reported in recent days, leading to fatalities.

Locals alleged that despite repeated incidents, authorities have not taken effective steps to address the issue at the problematic curve.

Residents pointed out that barricades are placed at multiple locations such as Hangloor, Ankada Katte, Koteshwara, Bijadi-Gopadi, Kumbhashi, Tekkatte, Manoor, and Kota to control vehicle speed. However, they claimed that improper placement has reduced their effectiveness.

They said barricades should be installed in a zig-zag pattern at fixed intervals to slow down vehicles, but this guideline is not being followed. At junctions like Vakvadi, Bijadi, and Gopadi main road and service roads, barricades need to be arranged properly. In some cases, vehicles have even hit the barricades and moved them aside.

Residents also highlighted the lack of street lighting along the stretch from Koteshwara bypass junction towards Haladi, which has created difficulties for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders during night hours.

There have also been demands to deploy traffic police personnel at the Koteshwara bypass junction during peak morning and evening hours to manage traffic flow.

Social worker Ganesh Putran from Gopadi stated that improperly installed barricades not only fail to control speed but may also lead to accidents.