Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 18: The construction of the Indrali Railway Bridge, a project that began seven years ago, continues to face significant challenges, raising doubts about its completion by the current deadline of January 25. Delays in construction and missed deadlines have left residents and commuters frustrated, as the incomplete bridge continues to disrupt regional connectivity.
The 58-meter-long Indrali Railway Bridge, with a budget of Rs 13 crore, was initiated in 2018. However, several challenges have led to substantial delays. The bridge, constructed primarily with steel, required 420 tons of steel girders, which were brought from Hubballi in February 2024. The arrival of these girders marked a rare boost in the construction process.
Once the welding phase is completed, the bridge will be positioned, followed by the remaining civil work. Initially, authorities set a deadline of June 15, 2024, for completion.
However, when no progress was observed, protests broke out, leading officials to extend the deadline to June 30, 2024. Despite some progress, the deadline was again missed.
By December 2024, commuters were eagerly awaiting the bridge’s completion, but continued delays led to further agitation. In response, authorities assured the public that the work would be completed by January 17, 2025. With delays persisting, another deadline was set for January 25, 2025.
Despite these assurances, the remaining work suggests that construction could extend for another two months, leaving commuters disillusioned and questioning the reliability of the authorities’ promises.
Sources indicate that the construction of the bridge involves over 170 joints, of which only 100 have been welded so far. Welding each joint takes approximately one day, and contractors from the railway department have yet to deploy additional manpower, despite expert recommendations. Currently, only one or two welders are working at the site. Increasing the number of welders is seen as a potential solution to expedite work, but no concrete action has been taken in this regard.
Once the welding phase is completed, the railway department will conduct a thorough inspection of the structure. Only after receiving approval will civil contractors proceed with the next stages, which include positioning the bridge and completing the remaining civil works. These phases will also undergo strict monitoring by railway authorities to ensure safety and compliance.
The ongoing delays have severely affected commuters and nearby residents, causing increased traffic congestion on alternate routes and a rise in accidents in the area. Experts now estimate that completing the bridge could take at least two more months, potentially pushing the deadline to March or later.
The completion of the Indrali Railway Bridge is vital for improving vehicular connectivity and easing the movement of goods and services. However, with significant work still pending, the January 25 deadline seems increasingly unlikely, leaving the region in continued anticipation.