Vitla/ Vittla, 29 July 2026: The growing traffic congestion in Vitla (Vittal town) has once again sparked a debate over the long-pending solution - whether to expand the existing roads or construct a bypass.
For daily commuters, students, employees and people visiting Vitla (Vittal) for business, traffic congestion has become a major concern. The question now is whether a permanent solution to the town's traffic problems will become a reality soon.
Traders Oppose Road Expansion, Demand Bypass
The Vitla (Vittal) Traders and Commercial Association has urged authorities to consider constructing a bypass road instead of widening roads inside the town.
The traders said that land had already been given for road expansion in 2010 without compensation following requests from public representatives and district authorities. They expressed concern that another expansion project could affect businesses and livelihoods, as demolition of existing buildings would directly impact shop owners.
According to the traders, the present town structure should be maintained, and a bypass road should be developed to reduce traffic pressure.
They also pointed out that under existing regulations, landowners have to leave 22 metres of space from the centre of the road, along with an additional 6-metre setback for new constructions. This, they said, would leave very little space for rebuilding commercial establishments in Vittal.
Road Expansion Necessary, Says MLA
Speaking at a meeting with traders and residents, Vittal MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said road widening was essential to address congestion and improve public movement.
He said constructing a bypass is difficult under the current circumstances due to land acquisition challenges.
"Road widening is necessary to avoid traffic congestion. Those who provide land for expansion will be given appropriate compensation," the MLA said.
He explained that roads from Kalladka, Aramana Road, Puttur Road and Salethur Road would benefit from widening. He also said that a four-lane road project from Kabaka to Vittal is planned with an allocation of ₹30 crore, with an additional ₹10 crore expected.
The MLA added that if landowners do not agree to the expansion proposal, future construction would have to follow existing rules, where compensation benefits may not be available.
Bypass Also Faces Challenges
While traders have suggested a bypass, experts point out that constructing an outer road is not an easy task.
A bypass would require acquisition of private land and payment of compensation to landowners. One proposed route involves connecting areas from Meginapete on the Puttur Road to Bobbekeri, then towards the Salethur Road area, passing near Vitla Pre-University College, through Kashimatha, reaching the Ukuda Road and reconnecting with Puttur Road.
Finding a Balance Between Development and Livelihood
Vitla Town Panchayat President Karunakar Naytoattu said everyone should cooperate as road widening has become unavoidable. He said efforts would be made to convince landowners, though reaching a consensus may not be easy.
Traders fear that losing a significant portion of their commercial space could make it difficult to continue businesses, even if compensation is provided.
Progressive farmer Ramesh Chandra N. S. Bhat said either road widening or a bypass could become a solution, but an urgent decision is needed.
"The narrow roads of Vittal have made movement difficult. A permanent solution for pedestrians and motorists must be found soon," he said.
As discussions continue, people of Vitla are waiting to see whether the town's future will be shaped by a wider road network or a bypass that takes traffic away from the busy market area.
Keywords
Vittal Traffic Problem, Vitla Traffic Problem, Vittal Bypass Road, Vittal Road Expansion, Ashok Kumar Rai MLA, Vittal Traders Association, Dakshina Kannada Development, Citizen News Puttur