Kimberly Rodrigues

Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 7: Foot overbridges in Thumbay and Kannur on the NH 48 are in desperate need of maintenance. These bridges, which were constructed about 10-12 years ago are currently not being used by the public and their condition seems to be deteriorating by the day. The poor quality of these bridges poses a serious danger to the public ahead of the monsoon.

The roofs of these bridges are worn out and are falling apart. Since they are located on the national highway there is a constant movement of vehicles under these bridges. During the monsoon season it is likely that the roofs may break apart and fall on to the national highway and thereby not only obstructing the traffic but also posing a danger for motorists and the vehicles.

A few school students use the Thumbay foot overbridge as a part of their daily commute. The ruined roof and the other crumbling parts of the bridge may endanger students’ lives if there is an accident. The monsoon may render the floors of these bridges slippery. The students are likely to suffer injuries or may even fall off the bridge as the sections of the metal mesh are broken on the exposed sides of the bridge.

Also, the integral structure of the bridge itself is not quite sturdy, which poses the biggest risk to all. The piers that hold the bridges upright have become rusted and are breaking apart at certain places. Due to the high intensity of rainfall during the monsoon season, these piers may weaken and crumble further to cause large-scale damages to vehicles and serious injuries to the public and motorists.

The foot overbridge at Kannur is only being used to display banners and is almost unused by the public for its purpose. Therefore, there is an imperative need for authorities to assume responsibility for the situation and improve the bridge for the well-being of the public at the earliest.

The National Highway Authority of India has constructed two foot overbridges by spending lacs of rupees that is going a waste. The NHAI has chosen the wrong place at Kannur to erect the foot overbridge which has not been maintained from the time it was constructed. However, the foot overbridge was constructed at Thumbay so that students of Thumbay school can use it to cross the national highway safely without getting on to the national highway.

The foot overbridge located near Thumbay school is covered with bushes. A few years back the students of Thumbay school took up the initiative to clear the bushes covering the foot overbridge.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, a shopkeeper at Kannur said, “The foot overbridge was constructed some years ago and has been unused since then. None of them are using the foot overbridge to commute as the public prefer crossing the road rather than take the foot overbridge. The bridge is now primarily being used for putting up display banners during any occasion of mosque at Kannur. A few years back, it was painted as well but the rooftop poses danger as we witness them falling off during monsoon posing danger to motorists. Many times this was brought to the notice of the concerned authorities but it has fallen on deaf ears.”