Concerns raised over inadequate parking facility at Karavali Utsav Ground

With inadequate space allocated for parking of two-wheelers and cars at the Karavali Utsava Ground, people have raised concerns over parking on the flanks of the busy M.G. Road stretch between Lalbagh Circle and Narayana Guru (Lady Hill) Circle that could affect smooth flow of traffic on the arterial road.

The annual Karavali Utsava will begin from December 20. More than 60 stalls will operate at the place for nearly a month, along with entertainment avenues for children and cultural programmes.

Unlike earlier, this year, more space has been allotted to stalls at the Ground, which is maintained by Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). Parking space for a few four-wheelers and two-wheelers has been allocated on the right side of the Ground, while the cultural programme stage is on the left side.

Activist G.K. Bhat said that with inadequate parking facilities, visitors will park vehicles on the flanks of M.G. Road, Hindi Prachara Sabha Road and U.S. Mallya Indoor Stadium Road. Vehicular movement will be chaotic, especially during weekends when footfalls to the Utsava will increase. . “It is unfortunate that the organisers have failed to provide adequate parking facilities at the Ground this time,” Mr. Bhat told The Hindu.

A traffic police officer said parking space for about 200 cars was available earlier; vehicles used to enter and exit without creating pressure on the arterial road. With space for less than 10 cars being available this time, there could be chaos on roads, he feared.

Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator H.V. Darshan said far more space has been allotted for stalls and amusement facilities at Karavali Utsav Ground this time. “Lot of thought has gone into having stalls, amusement facilities and cultural events at the Ground. We expect more people to visit this time. We will work with the police to create parking facilities near the Ground and also divert traffic when needed,” he said.

Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the parking arrangements for event have been made by MCC in consultation with the Mangaluru police. “If there is a need for additional parking facilities, the police will be ready to facilitate it,” he said.