Traffic congestion worsens due to unauthorised bus stoppages in Hubballi

Amid the severe traffic congestion caused by ongoing flyover construction in Hubballi, unauthorised bus stoppages have emerged as an additional burden, worsening delays and disrupting smooth vehicular movement across key corridors.

Several locations have effectively turned into temporary, unapproved bus stops, including Brindavan Circle, PB Road, New English School Circle, Bankapur Chowk Circle, Hosur Cross, and near Chennamma Circle, along with other busy junctions.

These points are witnessing frequent halts by buses operated by the transport department, including city services, intra-district routes, and long-distance buses, leading to repeated bottlenecks at already stressed intersections.

The problem was particularly acute because these stoppages occur on narrow stretches and near turning points where traffic needs continuous flow. When buses stop abruptly or for extended periods to pick up and drop passengers, they occupy active lanes, forcing other vehicles to slow down, merge suddenly, or wait behind them.

This creates ripple effects that quickly spread to adjoining roads, increasing travel time for commuters and intensifying congestion during peak hours. The situation becomes more chaotic when multiple buses stop at the same spot, often in quick succession, leaving little room for 2-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and cars to pass safely.

Unauthorised stops also contribute to unsafe road conditions. Passengers are compelled to board or alight in the middle of traffic, while pedestrians gather on the roadside without proper space, signage, or protective barriers. This has increased the risk of accidents, especially in areas where construction activity has already reduced road width and visibility. In addition, the lack of designated bays or pull-in areas means buses cannot move off the main carriageway, turning every stop into a temporary roadblock.

With construction-related diversions already testing the city’s traffic management, the unchecked growth of such stoppages undermines any attempt to regulate flow. Addressing this issue requires immediate enforcement against unauthorised halts, clear identification of approved stopping points, and coordination to ensure buses use designated areas that do not obstruct traffic.

Priyanga M, managing director, NWKRTC, said public transport stoppages were identified in consultation with police and PWD officials after inspecting the stoppage venues. She said NWKRTC is facing problems operating bus services and picking up & dropping off passengers amid ongoing construction works in the city. “Once the ongoing development works get over, the situation will turn normal,” she added.

Veeresh, ACP, Hubballi-Dharwad traffic, said they have instructed higher officials several times to stop buses only at the designated stops, but despite repeated requests and instructions, buses of the transport department stop in the middle of roads, which creates traffic chaos, he added.

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