Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Feb 5: The Indrali Railway Bridge Protest Committee has announced its decision to escalate protests following the failure to complete the long-delayed Indrali Bridge project. Indrali Railway Bridge Protest Committee to discuss these issues and future plans, a consultation meeting has been scheduled for February 8 at 4 pm at Jnana Mandira, within the premises of Sharada Kalyana Mantapa, Kunjibettu. The committee has extended an open invitation to all concerned citizens of Udupi to participate.
Amruth Shenoy, president of Indrali Railway Bridge Protest Committee said, “This ongoing delay is causing significant hardship, particularly for school students and people facing medical emergencies. Authorities are arbitrarily placing and removing barricades at their convenience, assuming that the public will not question them. The National Highway Authority of India’s sluggish progress on key projects, including the Ambalpady overpass, Santhekatte underpass, Parkala roadworks, and Adi Udupi Road, it is severely impacting Udupi’s economy and leading to unbearable traffic congestion."
He further stated, “On October 29, 2024, we had given a three-month deadline for the completion of the Indrali Railway Bridge, which was January 30. This bridge has been under construction for eight years and continues to pose a danger to commuters. MP Kota Srinivas Poojary had assured that the work would be completed by January 15, but that deadline, along with those previously set by MP Shobha Karandlaje and MLA Yashpal Suvarna, was not met. The DC has now extended the deadline to February 10, yet the work still shows no signs of completion."
Ramesh Kanchan, president, Udupi block congress and committee member, said, “The Ambalpady overpass, Santhekatte underpass, Parkala and Adi Udupi Road construction are causing problems, and the authorities are not concerned about the difficulties faced by the people. The government and authorities are postponing the dates, has the work has not been completed. MP Kota Srinivas had promised to learn Hindi in three months for better communication of people's issues in Parliament, but we are yet to see him speak there. The government is making promises but failing to fulfil them. We hope these projects are completed soon, as the delays are weakening our tourism and economy.”
On October 29, 2024, the committee had organized a public protest meeting, demanding that the construction work be completed and the four-lane road be opened for public use by January 30, 2025. However, with the deadline now past and the work still incomplete, the committee has decided to proceed with its planned agitation.
The protest will also extend to addressing mismanagement and delays in infrastructure projects in other areas, including Parkala, Santhekatte, Adi Udupi, and Ambalpady. In light of this, the committee is considering renaming itself as the ‘Udupi City National Highway Protest Committee’ to reflect its broader scope.
Leaders Amruth Shenoy, Jyothi Hebbar, Ansar Ahemmad, Ramesh Kanchan, Suresh Shetty Bannaje, Keerthi Shetty Ambalpady and other members of the committee were present in the press meet.